The Thorpe widow is described as having not much money. I am, therefore, puzzled at Mr. Thorpe's ability to live the wasted life he leads.

He spends without thought. He drinks and gambles and makes reckless purchases. How is that possible if the family has no money? I'm led to believe that his sister is a gold-digger (thus, her fascination with plain-ol' Mr. Morland), and if the family has enough money for Mr. Thorpe to live as a complete waistrel, then it makes no sense for her to be so.