As it is, my father is left with nothing but his General's pension to support my mother.

My brothers will both need help for years to come, for they are much younger than I am, and I must live on my pay if I mean to stay in the service.' 'Is that all ?' Angela's voice trembled a little.
'Yes, my pay, and nothing more----' 'I did not mean that,' she hastened to say, interrupting him, and there was a note of returning gladness in her voice.

'I meant to ask if that was all the bad news.' 'It is enough, surely, since it half ruins our lives! What right have I to ask you to keep your promise and marry me, since I have not enough for us to live on ?' Angela turned quite towards him now and repeated his own words.
'And what right have I to ask you to keep your promise and marry me?
When you gave your word, you thought I had a great name and was heir to a splendid fortune.

You were deceived.

I am a "destitute foundling"-- the lawyers have proved it, and the proof of their proofs is that I am obliged to accept the charity of my old governess, God bless her! If ever a man had a right to take back his word, you have.
Take it, if you will.