Why is Kino's father open to the offer that the Old Gentleman makes regarding Jiya?

When the Old Gentleman offers to adopt Jiya, Kino objects because Jiya is part of their family now, but his father says the Old Gentleman can provide better for Jiya than they can. He tells the Old Gentleman that he will tell Jiya of the kind offer when he wakes and allow Jiya to decide. The Old Gentleman asks that Jiya report his decision personally.