He does not like the girl of the period; he fears she would spend too much money.

Nor, on the other hand, does he care for the country hoyden, whose mind and person have never risen above the cheese-tub, with red hands, awkward gait, loud voice, and limited conversation.

He has read too much, in his quiet way, and observed too much, in his quiet way, also, for that.

He wants a girl well educated, but not above her station, unaffected and yet comely, fond of home and home duties, and yet not homely.

And it would be well if she had a few hundreds--a very small sum would do--for her dower.
It is not that he wants the money, which can be settled on herself; but there is a vein of the old, prudent common sense running through Harry's character.