minister and chief agent in that ruinous transaction, will not consider
their adopting the phantom as any proof of the folly of either father or
son. But let me return. To my compliment to his experience and discretion,
my father replied, "Why, truly, I hardly know how it may turn out in the
long run. At first, indeed, I only consented to come down with a few
thousands, the total loss of which would not break my heart; but this, it
seems, though it was all they at first demanded, did not prove quite
sufficient. Some debts they were obliged to contract,--to no great amount,
indeed,--and these must be paid or the scheme relinquished. Having gone so
far into the scheme, it was absurd to let a trifle stop me. I must own,
had I foreseen all the demands that have been made from time to time, I
should never have engaged in it; but I have been led on from one step to
another, till I fear it would avail me nothing to hesitate or hold back;
and Frank's representations are so very plausible!"

"Does your whole subsistence, then, my dear sir, depend on the success
of this scheme? Suppose it should utterly fail: what will be the
consequences to yourself?"

"Fail! That is impossible. It cannot fail but through want of money,
and I am solemnly assured that no more will be necessary."

"But how often, sir, has this assurance been given? No doubt with as
much solemnity the first time as the last."

My father began to grow impatient:--"It is useless, Jane, to start
difficulties and objections now. It is too late to go back, even if I
were disinclined to go forward; and I have no doubt of ultimate success.
Be a good girl, and you shall come in for a share of the profit. Mrs.
Fielder and I, between us, will make you the richest heiress in America.