There was something worthy of consideration in Mr. Melmotte's proposition. Marriage of itself, simply as a domestic institution, had not specially recommended itself to Sir Felix Carbury. A few horses at Leighton, Ruby Ruggles or any other beauty, and life at the Beargarden were much more to his taste. And then he was quite alive to the fact that it was possible that he might find himself possessed of the wife without the money. Marie, indeed, had a grand plan of her own, with reference to that settled income; but then Marie might be mistaken,--or she might be lying. If he were sure of making money in the way Melmotte now suggested, the loss of Marie would not break his heart. But then also Melmotte might be--lying. "By-the-bye, Mr. Melmotte," said he, "could you let me have those shares?"
"What shares?" And the heavy brow became still heavier.

Felix considered this. Marriage had not specially recommended itself to him. A few horses, Ruby Ruggles or any other beauty, and life at the Beargarden were much more to his taste. And he was quite aware that he might find himself possessed of the wife without the money. Marie might be mistaken about the amount settled on her - or she might be lying. If he were sure of making money, the loss of Marie would not break his heart.
But then also Melmotte might be lying. "By-the-bye, Mr. Melmotte," said he, "could you let me have those shares?"
"What shares?" And the heavy brow became still heavier.
