know not what it is; I do! My wife's fortune came not till after
marriage,--so far, so well; it saved my reputation from the charge of
fortune-hunting. But, I tell you fairly, that if it had never come at
all, I should be a prouder and a greater and a happier man than I have
ever been, or ever can be, with all its advantages: it has been a
millstone round my neck. And yet Ellinor has never breathed a word that
could wound my pride. Would her daughter be as forbearing? Much as I
love Fanny, I doubt if she has the great heart of her mother. You look
incredulous,--naturally. Oh, you think I shall sacrifice my child's
happiness to a politician's ambition. Folly of youth! Fanny would be
wretched with you. She might not think so now; she would five years
hence! Fanny will make an admirable duchess, countess, great lady; but
wife to a man who owes all to her! No, no; don't dream it! I shall not
sacrifice her happiness, depend on it. I speak plainly, as man to man,
--man of the world to a man just entering it,--but still man to man!
What say you?"

"I will think over all you tell me. I know that you are speaking to me
most generously,--as a father would. Now let me go, and may God keep
you and yours!"

"Go,--I return your blessing; go! I don't insult you now with offers of
service; but remember, you have a right to command them,--in all ways,
in all times. Stop! take this comfort away with you,--a sorry comfort
now, a great one hereafter. In a position that might have moved anger,
scorn, pity, you have made a barren-hearted man honor and admire you.
You, a boy, have made me, with my gray hairs, think better of the whole
world; tell your father that."

I closed the door and stole out softly, softly. But when I got into the