George's appearance perturbs Emily's mother, who explains that he must not bring bad luck by seeing the bride on her wedding day. George asks Mr. Webb if he believes that old superstition. Mr. Webb declares that there is often common sense behind superstitions. Mrs. Webb goes upstairs to keep Emily from coming down. As she leaves, she tells George to have a cup of coffee before going home.
Mr. Webb tries to discuss life and marriage with his future son-in-law. George wishes that a person could get married without so much bother, but Mr. Webb explains that it has always been like this because women want to "make sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way " Mr. Webb relates the advice he received from his father about how to maintain control of women. He adds that he ignored the advice and concludes that George should not solicit advice on personal matters.
Mrs. Webb returns and sends George home so that Emily can come down to breakfast. Mr. Webb makes up another old saying: "No bridegroom should see his father-in-law on the day of the wedding ".
