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Elizabeth Almond: Well, she has the prospect of $30,000 a year.
Austin Sloper: I see you appreciate her.
Elizabeth Almond: I don't mean it's her only merit. But you always have a way of alluding to her as an unmarriageble girl.
Austin Sloper: My allusions are just as kind as yours.
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Catherine Sloper: Don't be kind to me, father. It doesn't become you.
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Aunt Penniman: Now, Catherine, if you will stay by me this evening, you will see that what I say is not always of the greatest importance, but dear, that doesn't keep me from talking.
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Catherine Sloper: He's grown greedier over the years. Before he only wanted my money; now he wants my love as well. Well, he came to the wrong house - and he came twice. I shall see that he does not come a third time.
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Austin Sloper: You have found a tongue at last, Catherine. 'Tis only to say such terrible things to me.
Catherine Sloper: Yes. This is a field where you will not compare me to my mother.
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Catherine Sloper: Bolt it, Maria.
Maria: Bolt it?
Catherine Sloper: Bolt the door, Maria.
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Catherine Sloper: Father won't abuse you, he doesn't know you well enough.
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Jefferson Almond: Well, Austin, who's sick? Who died? Who've you been cutting up lately?
Austin Sloper: Yes, I can see you're in good shape. When your gout's troubling you, you're more respectful to me.
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Austin Sloper: Do you remember her mother? Her mother who had so much grace and gaiety. This is her child.
Elizabeth Almond: Austin, no child could compete with this image you have of her mother.
Austin Sloper: You're not entitled to say that. Only I know what I lost when she died and what I got in her place.
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Mrs. Montgomery: I think, Doctor, that you expect too much of people. If you do you'll always be disappointed.
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Austin Sloper: [Referring to Catherine] How is it possible to protect such a willing victim?
Aunt Penniman: You will kill her if you deny her this marriage.
Austin Sloper: You forget I'm a doctor. People don't die of such things.
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Aunt Penniman: [Referring to Morris] But he's looking for a position most earnestly.
Austin Sloper: I wonder if he's looking for it here, Lavinia.
Aunt Penniman: What?
Austin Sloper: Wouldn't the position of a husband to a defenseless young girl with a large fortune suit him to perfection?
Aunt Penniman: How can you entertain such a suspicion?
Austin Sloper: Suspicion? It's a diagnosis.
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Austin Sloper: [Referring to Morris] I'll see him tomorrow.
Catherine Sloper: You're so good that you will be fair and honest with him.
Austin Sloper: I shall be as fair and honest with him as he is with you.
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Aunt Penniman: Can you be so cruel?
Catherine Sloper: Yes, I can be very cruel. I have been taught by masters.
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Mrs. Montgomery: [after meeting Catherine]
[Unconvinced]
Mrs. Montgomery: I can only supposed that Morris is more mature in his feelings than I'd thought.
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Aunt Penniman: Good heavens, child. You are disinheriting yourself.
Catherine Sloper: Yes. Completely.
Aunt Penniman: Have you told Morris this?
Catherine Sloper: Of course. I told him everything. He is to be my husband.
Aunt Penniman: Oh, you should have waited. Did... Did he understand?
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Austin Sloper: [to Aunt Penniman] I'll be ready very soon. Will you tell Catherine?
Morris Townsend: It's the best part of the evening.
Aunt Penniman: It really is, Austin.
Austin Sloper: Ah, but you're used to those gay nights at the parsonage. I, alas, must be an early riser. Good night, Mr. Townsend.
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Aunt Penniman: My dear boy, you may let yourself go when you're with me.
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Aunt Penniman: Mr. Townsend, you remind me so of the Reverend Penniman. The same ardency, the same passionate nature.
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Catherine Sloper: Mr. Townsend! You are very bold.
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Aunt Penniman: Morris would be a feather in any girl's cap. You've only to use your eyes, which are as good as mine.
Austin Sloper: Better.
Aunt Penniman: Austin, you must help this along and be thankful that it's come about.
Austin Sloper: Very well, Lavinia. When I'm being thankful, I hope you will not forget your duties as chaperone.
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Catherine Sloper: Women have more tact. They can persuade better.
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Catherine Sloper: Oh, Father, don't you think he is the most beautiful man you've ever seen?
Austin Sloper: Well, he's very good-looking, my dear. Of course, you wouldn't let a consideration like that sway you unduly.
Catherine Sloper: Oh, no! But that is what is so wonderful to me, that he should have everything, everything a woman could want, and he wants me.
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Austin Sloper: I believe her *money* is the prime attraction.
Mrs. Montgomery: What money?
Austin Sloper: She's an heiress! Didn't your brother tell you that?
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Austin Sloper: Oh, good heavens, Catherine! Don't hold yourself so cheaply.
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Austin Sloper: I've caught a chill, Lavinia. Would you be so kind as to get me some hot water for a toddy?
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Austin Sloper: Well, I suppose you'll be going off with him any time now.
Catherine Sloper: Yes, if he will have me.
Austin Sloper: Why not? You'll be a most entertaining companion.
Catherine Sloper: I will try to be.
Austin Sloper: Your gaiety and brilliance will make up the difference between the 10,000 a year you will have and the 30,000 he expects.
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Austin Sloper: I've known you all your life and I've yet to see you learn anything. With one exception, my dear. You embroider neatly.
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Aunt Penniman: Oh, Catherine. Will you spend the night with him unwed?
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Aunt Penniman: Oh, Catherine. How romantic. Morris is so daring!
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Aunt Penniman: Wouldn't you like me to dress quickly and come with you?
Catherine Sloper: There's no time, Aunt! Morris will be here any instant.
Aunt Penniman: But I should. You must have a chaperone. Your father would be shocked!
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Morris Townsend: Do I offend you by coming?
Catherine Sloper: You should not have come.
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Aunt Penniman: Oh, that beautiful Paris lingerie, how fortunate that you kept it! I'm going to pack that for you. I will sprinkle it with fresh lavender.
The Heiress Quotes
Extended Reading
