In the first place the marriage was not a brilliant one as regards birth, wealth, or rank.
Secondly, Prince Andrew was no longer as young as he had been and his health was poor (the old man laid special stress on this), while she was very young.
Thirdly, he had a son whom it would be a pity to entrust to a chit of a girl.
" Fourthly and finally," the father said, looking ironically at his son, "I beg you to put it off for a year: go abroad, take a cure, look out as you wanted to for a German tutor for Prince Nicholas.
Then if your love or passion or obstinacy--as you please--is still as great, marry! And that's my last word on it.