Her father stood out for the keenest, sharpest work, consistent with honesty; if he had not been her father she would, perhaps, have thought some of his sayings inconsistent with true Christian honesty.

He was for driving hard bargains, exacting interest and payment of just bills to a day.
That was (he said) the only way in which trade could be conducted.
Once allow a margin of uncertainty, or where feelings, instead of maxims, were to be the guide, and all hope of there ever being any good men of business was ended.
"Suppose a delay of a month in requiring payment might save a man's credit--prevent his becoming a bankrupt ?" put in Mr Farquhar.
"I would not give it him.

I would let him have money to set up again as soon as he had passed the Bankruptcy Court; if he never passed, I might, in some cases, make him an allowance; but I would always keep my justice and my charity separate." "And yet charity (in your sense of the word) degrades; justice, tempered with mercy and consideration, elevates." "That is not justice--justice is certain and inflexible.

No! Mr Farquhar, you must not allow any Quixotic notions to mingle with your conduct as a tradesman." And so they went on; Jemima's face glowing with sympathy in all Mr Farquhar said; till once, on looking up suddenly with sparkling eyes, she saw a glance of her father's which told her, as plain as words could say, that he was watching the effect of Mr Farquhar's speeches upon his daughter.

She was chilled thenceforward; she thought her father prolonged the argument, in order to call out those sentiments which he knew would most recommend his partner to his daughter.