girl would have at least 60,000 pounds, a fact of which no human
being but himself was aware. Would it not be well that somebody
should be made aware of it, so that his girl might have the
chance of suitors preferable to the swarthy son of Judah? He
began to be afraid, as he thought of it, that he was not managing
his matters well. How would it be with him if he should find
that the girl was really in love with this swarthy son of Judah?
He had never inquired about his girl's heart, though there was
one to whom he hoped that his girl's heart might some day be
given. He almost made up his mind to go home at once, so anxious
was he. But the prospect of having to spend an entire afternoon
in Manchester Square was too much for him, as he remained in his
chamber till the usual hour.

Lopez, as he returned from Lincoln's Inn, westward to his club,
was, on the whole, contented with the interview. He had expected
opposition. He had not thought the cherry would fall easily into
his mouth. But the conversation generally had not taken those
turns which he thought would be most detrimental to him.



CHAPTER 4

MRS ROBY.

Mr Wharton, as he walked home, remembered that Mrs Roby was to
dine at his house that evening. During the remainder of the day,
after the departure of Lopez, he had been unable to take his mind
from the consideration of the proposition made to him. He had