She was running away,--and was running to a distant continent,--and her lover would be with her!

She was running away to a distant continent - and her lover would be with her!


She gave Didon to understand that she cared nothing for marquises.


As they drew near to Liverpool Didon explained that they must still be very careful.


It would not do for them to declare at once their destination on the platform,--so that every one about the station should know that they were going on board the packet for New York.


They must leisurely look for the big boxes and other things, and need say nothing about the steam packet till they were in a cab.

, and say nothing about New York till they were in a cab.


Marie's big box was directed simply "Madame Racine, Passenger to Liverpool;"--so also was directed a second box, nearly as big, which was Didon's property.

Marie's big box was directed simply "Madame Racine, Passenger to Liverpool;" so was a second box, nearly as big, which was Didon's property.


Didon declared that her anxiety would not be over till she found the ship moving under her.

Didon declared that she would be anxious until the ship was moving.


Marie was sure that all their dangers were over,--if only Sir Felix was safe on board.

Marie was sure that all their dangers were over, if only Sir Felix was safe on board.


Sir Felix was at this moment in Welbeck Street, striving to find temporary oblivion for his distressing situation and loss of money, and some alleviation for his racking temples, beneath the bedclothes.

Sir Felix was at this moment in Welbeck Street, striving to find temporary oblivion from his distressing situation and loss of money, and his headache, beneath the bedclothes.


When the train ran into the station at Liverpool the two women sat for a few moments quite quiet.


They would not seek remark by any hurry or noise.


The door was opened, and a well-mannered porter offered to take their luggage.


Didon handed out the various packages, keeping however the jewel-case in her own hands.

Didon handed out the packages, keeping the jewel-case in her own hands.


She left the carriage first, and then Marie.


But Marie had hardly put her foot on the platform, before a gentleman addressed her, touching his hat, "You, I think, are Miss Melmotte."

But Marie had hardly put her foot on the platform, before a gentleman addressed her, touching his hat.
"You, I think, are Miss Melmotte."


Marie was struck dumb, but said nothing.


Didon immediately became voluble in French.


No; the young lady was not Miss Melmotte; the young lady was Mademoiselle Racine, her niece.


Would the gentleman kindly allow them to pass on to their cab?


[Illustration: "You, I think, are Miss Melmotte."]


But the gentleman would by no means kindly allow them to pass on to their cab.

But the gentleman would not allow them to pass on to their cab.


With the gentleman was another gentleman,--who did not seem to be quite so much of a gentleman;--and again, not far in the distance Didon quickly espied a policeman, who did not at present connect himself with the affair, but who seemed to have his time very much at command, and to be quite ready if he were wanted.

With him was another gentleman, and not far in the distance Didon espied a policeman, who seemed to be quite ready if he were wanted.


Didon at once gave up the game,--as regarded her mistress.


"I am afraid I must persist in asserting that you are Miss Melmotte," said the gentleman, "and that this other--person is your servant, Elise Didon.

"You are Miss Melmotte," said the gentleman, "and this is your servant, Elise Didon.


"I think you had better make up your minds to go back to London.

You had better make up your minds to go back to London.


Didon, plucking up her courage for the moment, asserted the legality of her own position and of that of her mistress.

Didon, plucking up her courage, asserted that


They had both a right to come to Liverpool.


They had both a right to get into the cab with their luggage.


Why were they to be stopped in this way?


What was it to anybody whether they called themselves Melmotte or Racine?


The gentleman understood the French oratory, but did not commit himself to reply in the same language.


"You had better trust yourself to me; you had indeed," said the gentleman.


Then the gentleman spoke in a very low voice.


"A cheque has been changed which you took from your father's house.


No doubt your father will pardon that when you are once with him.

No doubt your father will pardon that when you are back with him.


But in order that we may bring you back safely we can arrest you on the score of the cheque,--if you force us to do so.

But in order to bring you back safely we can arrest you on the score of the cheque, if necessary.


We certainly shall not let you go on board.


If you will travel back to London with me, you shall be subjected to no inconvenience which can be avoided."

If you travel back to London with me, you shall be subjected to no inconvenience."


There was certainly no help to be found anywhere.


It may be well doubted whether upon the whole the telegraph has not added more to the annoyances than to the comforts of life, and whether the gentlemen who spent all the public money without authority ought not to have been punished with special severity in that they had injured humanity, rather than pardoned because of the good they had produced.


The newspapers are robbed of all their old interest, and the very soul of intrigue is destroyed.


Poor Marie, when she heard her fate, would certainly have gladly hanged Mr. Scudamore.


When the gentleman had made his speech, she offered no further opposition.


Looking into Didon's face and bursting into tears, she sat down on one of the boxes.

Bursting into tears, she sat down on one of the boxes.


But Didon became very clamorous on her own behalf,--and her clamour was successful.

But Didon became very clamorous on her own behalf.


Why should not she go where she pleased?


Did anybody mean to take her up for stealing anybody's money?


If anybody did, that person had better look to himself.


So saying she began to tug the rope of her box as though she intended to drag it by her own force out of the station.

So saying she began to tug her box away.


The gentleman looked at his telegram,--looked at another document which he now held in his hand, ready prepared, should it be wanted.


Elise Didon had been accused of nothing that brought her within the law.

Elise Didon had been accused of nothing unlawful.


The gentleman in imperfect French suggested that Didon had better return with her mistress.

He suggested that Didon had better return with her mistress


She would go wherever she pleased,--all the world over.


Then she addressed herself in what little English she could command to half-a-dozen cabmen who were standing round and enjoying the scene.


She started off to the nearest cab, and no one stopped her.

She started off to the nearest cab, and no one did stop her.


"But the box in her hand is mine," said Marie, not forgetting her trinkets in her misery.


Didon surrendered the jewel-case, and ensconced herself in the cab without a word of farewell; and her trunk was hoisted on to the roof.

Didon surrendered the jewel-case, and got into the cab without a word of farewell.


Then she was driven away out of the station,--and out of our story.

Then she was driven away - and out of our story.


She had a first-class cabin all to herself as far as New York, but what may have been her fate after that it matters not to us to enquire.


We who know how recreant a knight Sir Felix had proved himself, who are aware that had Miss Melmotte succeeded in getting on board the ship she would have passed an hour of miserable suspense, looking everywhere for her lover, and would then at last have been carried to New York without him, may congratulate her on her escape.

If she had succeeded in getting on board the ship she would have passed an hour of miserable suspense, looking everywhere for her lover, and would then have been carried to New York without him. She had a lucky escape.


And, indeed, we who know his character better than she did, may still hope in her behalf that she may be ultimately saved from so wretched a marriage.


But to her her present position was truly miserable.


She would have to encounter an enraged father; and when,--when should she see her lover again?

She would have to encounter an enraged father; and when should she see her lover again?


What would be his feelings when he should find himself on his way to New York without his love!


But in one matter she made up her mind steadfastly.


Yes;--she had said it before, and she would say it again.


There was, however, doubt on her mind from time to time, whether one course might not be better even than constancy.


If she could contrive to throw herself out of the carriage and to be killed,--would not that be the best termination to her present disappointment?

But might it not be even better to throw herself out of the carriage and to be killed?


Would not that be the best punishment for her father?


But how then would it be with poor Felix?


"After all I don't know that he cares for me," she said to herself, thinking over it all.

"After all I don't know that he cares for me," she said to herself.


The gentleman was very kind to her, not treating her at all as though she were disgraced.


As they got near town he ventured to give her a little advice.

As they got near town he ventured to advise her.


"Put a good face on it," he said, "and don't be cast down."


"Your mother will be delighted to have you back again."


I'd do it again to-morrow if I had the chance."

I'd do it again tomorrow if I had the chance.


The gentleman looked at her, not having expected so much determination.


Why is a girl to be made to marry to please any one but herself?


And it's very mean saying that I stole the money.


I always take what I want, and papa never says anything about it."


"Two hundred and fifty pounds is a large sum, Miss Melmotte."


It's because papa wants me to marry another man;--and I won't.

It's because papa wants me to marry another man; and I won't."


It was downright mean to send and have me taken up before all the people."


"You wouldn't have come back if he hadn't done that."


The gentleman had telegraphed up to Grosvenor Square while on the journey, and at Euston Square they were met by one of the Melmotte carriages.

The gentleman had telegraphed up to Grosvenor Square, and at Euston they were met by one of the Melmotte carriages.


Marie was to be taken home in the carriage, and the box was to follow in a cab;--to follow at some interval so that Grosvenor Square might not be aware of what had taken place.

Marie was taken home in the carriage, and the box was to follow later in a cab, so that Grosvenor Square might not be aware of what had happened.


Grosvenor Square, of course, very soon knew all about it.


The gentleman replied that he had been requested to see Miss Melmotte home.


"All the people will wonder who you are," said Marie laughing.


Then the gentleman thought that Miss Melmotte would be able to get through her troubles without much suffering.


When she got home she was hurried up at once to her mother's room,--and there she found her father, alone.

When she got home she was hurried at once to her mother's room - and there she found her father, alone.


"If you have found out all about it, you know, papa."


"Of course I know;--but you don't know all about it, you little idiot."

"Of course I know; but you don't know all about it, you little idiot."


"Where do you suppose Sir Felix Carbury is now?"


Then she opened her eyes and looked at him.


"An hour ago he was in bed at his mother's house in Welbeck Street."


If you had gone to New York, you'd have gone alone."


If I'd known at first that he had stayed behind, I think I'd have let you go."


"If you contradict me, I'll box your ears, you jade.


What has become of the woman that went with you?"


"And where is the money you took from your mother?"


"Then I'll be hanged if I don't prosecute him for stealing it."


"Oh, papa, don't do that;--pray don't do that.


I only gave it him to take care of for us.


"I shouldn't wonder if he lost it at cards, and therefore didn't go to Liverpool.


Will you give me your word that you'll never attempt to marry him again if I don't prosecute him?"

Will you give me your word that you'll never try to marry him again if I don't prosecute him?"


"Unless you do that I shall go to a magistrate at once."


"I don't believe you can do anything to him.


What's the good of promising when I should only break it.

What's the good of making a promise when I should only break it?


Why can't you let me have the man I love?


What's the good of all the money if people don't have what they like?"


"All the money!--What do you know about the money?

"All the money! What do you know about the money?


Look here," and he took her by the arm and shook her.


You've had your share of everything that has been going;--carriages and horses, bracelets and brooches, silks and gloves, and every thing else."

You've had your share of everything; carriages and horses, bracelets and brooches, silks and gloves."


He held her very hard and shook her as he spoke.


I don't care a straw about bracelets and brooches."


"Only for somebody to love me," said Marie, looking down.


"You'll soon have nobody to love you, if you go on this fashion.

"You'll soon have nobody to love you, if you go on this way.


You've had everything done for you, and if you don't do something for me in return, by G---- you shall have a hard time of it.

You've had everything done for you, and if you don't do something for me in return, by G__, you shall have a hard time of it.


If you weren't such a fool you'd believe me when I say that I know more than you do."


"You can't know better than me what'll make me happy."


If you'll marry Lord Nidderdale you'll have a position in the world which nothing can take from you."


Upon this he shook her till she cried, and calling for Madame Melmotte desired his wife not to let the girl for one minute out of her presence.

Upon this he shook her till she cried, and calling for Madame Melmotte told her not to let the girl out of her presence.


The condition of Sir Felix was I think worse than that of the lady with whom he was to have run away.

Sir Felix's condition was worse than Marie's.


He had played at the Beargarden till four in the morning and had then left the club, on the breaking-up of the card-table, intoxicated and almost penniless.

He had played at the Beargarden till four in the morning and had then left the club, intoxicated and almost penniless.


During the last half hour he had made himself very unpleasant at the club, saying all manner of harsh things of Miles Grendall;--of whom, indeed, it was almost impossible to say things too hard, had they been said in a proper form and at a proper time.

During the last half hour at the club he had made himself very unpleasant, saying all manner of harsh things about Miles Grendall;


He declared that Grendall would not pay his debts, that he had cheated when playing loo,--as to which Sir Felix appealed to Dolly Longestaffe; and he ended by asserting that Grendall ought to be turned out of the club.

declaring that he would not pay his debts, and that he cheated.


Dolly of course had said that he knew nothing about it, and Lord Grasslough had expressed an opinion that perhaps more than one person ought to be turned out.


At four o'clock the party was broken up and Sir Felix wandered forth into the streets, with nothing more than the change of a ten pound note in his pocket.

At four o'clock Sir Felix wandered forth into the streets, with nothing more than the change of a ten pound note in his pocket.


All his luggage was lying in the hall of the club, and there he left it.


There could hardly have been a more miserable wretch than Sir Felix wandering about the streets of London that night.

There could hardly have been a more miserable wretch than Sir Felix wandering about the streets that night.


Though he was nearly drunk, he was not drunk enough to forget the condition of his affairs.

He was not drunk enough to forget the condition of his affairs.


There is an intoxication that makes merry in the midst of affliction;--and there is an intoxication that banishes affliction by producing oblivion.


But again there is an intoxication which is conscious of itself though it makes the feet unsteady, and the voice thick, and the brain foolish; and which brings neither mirth nor oblivion.


Sir Felix trying to make his way to Welbeck Street and losing it at every turn, feeling himself to be an object of ridicule to every wanderer, and of dangerous suspicion to every policeman, got no good at all out of his intoxication.

He felt himself to be an object of ridicule to every wanderer, and of dangerous suspicion to every policeman.


He fumbled in his pocket, and managed to get hold of his ticket for New York.

He fumbled in his pocket for his ticket to New York.


Then he thought of his luggage, and could not remember where it was.


At last, as he steadied himself against a letter-post, he was able to call to mind that his portmanteaus were at the club.

At last he remembered that it was at the club


By this time he had wandered into Marylebone Lane, but did not in the least know where he was.


But he made an attempt to get back to his club, and stumbled half down Bond Street.

, and tried to get back there, staggering down Bond Street.


Then a policeman enquired into his purposes, and when he said that he lived in Welbeck Street, walked back with him as far as Oxford Street.

Then a policeman enquired into his purposes, and when he said that he lived in Welbeck Street, walked back with him to Oxford Street.


Having once mentioned the place where he lived, he had not strength of will left to go back to his purpose of getting his luggage and starting for Liverpool.

He had not strength of will left to go back for his luggage and start for Liverpool.


Between six and seven he was knocking at the door in Welbeck Street.


He had tried his latch-key, but had found it inefficient.


As he was supposed to be at Liverpool, the door had in fact been locked.

As he was supposed to be at Liverpool, the door had been locked.


At last it was opened by Lady Carbury herself.


He had fallen more than once, and was soiled with the gutter.


Most of my readers will not probably know how a man looks when he comes home drunk at six in the morning; but they who have seen the thing will acknowledge that a sorrier sight can not meet a mother's eye than that of a son in such a condition.

A sorrier sight cannot meet a mother's eye than that of a son coming home drunk at six in the morning.


At that moment the "old shap" was fast asleep in Grosvenor Square, altogether ignorant of the plot; and Marie, joyful with excitement, was getting into the cab in the mews.

At that moment the "old chap" was fast asleep in Grosvenor Square, altogether ignorant of the plot; and Marie, joyful with excitement, was getting into the cab.


And so he stumbled up-stairs by daylight, the wretched mother helping him.


She took off his clothes for him and his boots, and having left him already asleep, she went down to her own room, a miserable woman.

His wretched mother took off his clothes and his boots, and having left him already asleep, she went to her own room, a miserable woman.


Mr. Adolphus Longestaffe, the squire of Caversham in Suffolk, and of Pickering Park in Sussex, was closeted on a certain morning for the best part of an hour with Mr. Melmotte in Abchurch Lane, had there discussed all his private affairs, and was about to leave the room with a very dissatisfied air.

Mr. Adolphus Longestaffe senior, the squire of Caversham, and of Pickering Park in Sussex, was closeted one morning for an hour with Mr. Melmotte in Abchurch Lane. He had discussed all his private affairs, and was about to leave the room with a very dissatisfied air.


There are men,--and old men too, who ought to know the world,--who think that if they can only find the proper Medea to boil the cauldron for them, they can have their ruined fortunes so cooked that they shall come out of the pot fresh and new and unembarrassed.


These great conjurors are generally sought for in the City; and in truth the cauldrons are kept boiling though the result of the process is seldom absolute rejuvenescence.


No greater Medea than Mr. Melmotte had ever been potent in money matters, and Mr. Longestaffe had been taught to believe that if he could get the necromancer even to look at his affairs everything would be made right for him.

Mr. Longestaffe had believed that if he could get Mr. Melmotte just to look at his affairs everything would be made right for him.


But the necromancer had explained to the squire that property could not be created by the waving of any wand or the boiling of any cauldron.

But Mr. Melmotte had explained that property could not be created by the waving of any wand.


He, Mr. Melmotte, could put Mr. Longestaffe in the way of realising property without delay, of changing it from one shape into another, or could find out the real market value of the property in question; but he could create nothing.

He could help Mr. Longestaffe to realise property, or could find out the real market value of the property in question; but he could create nothing.


"You have only a life interest, Mr. Longestaffe."


"That is customary with family estates in this country, Mr. Melmotte."


And therefore you can dispose of nothing else.


Your son, of course, could join you, and then you could sell either one estate or the other."


"There is no question of selling Caversham, sir.


"Your son will not join you in selling the other place?"


"I have not directly asked him; but he never does do anything that I wish.


I suppose you would not take Pickering Park on a lease for my life."

I suppose you would not take Pickering Park on a lease?"


My wife would not like the uncertainty."


Then Mr. Longestaffe took his leave with a feeling of outraged aristocratic pride.

Mr. Longestaffe left with a feeling of outraged aristocratic pride.


His own lawyer would almost have done as much for him, and he need not have invited his own lawyer as a guest to Caversham,--and certainly not his own lawyer's wife and daughter.

His own lawyer would almost have done as much for him, and he need not have invited his own lawyer as a guest to Caversham - and certainly not his lawyer's wife and daughter.


He had indeed succeeded in borrowing a few thousand pounds from the great man at a rate of interest which the great man's head clerk was to arrange, and this had been effected simply on the security of the lease of a house in town.

He had indeed succeeded in borrowing a few thousand pounds from the great man at a rate of interest which the great man's head clerk was to arrange, on the security of the lease of a house in town.


There had been an ease in this, an absence of that delay which generally took place between the expression of his desire for money and the acquisition of it,--and this had gratified him.

There had been an ease in this which had gratified him.


But he was already beginning to think that he might pay too dearly for that gratification.


At the present moment, too, Mr. Melmotte was odious to him for another reason.

At present, Mr. Melmotte was odious to him for another reason.


He had condescended to ask Mr. Melmotte to make him a director of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway, and he,--Adolphus Longestaffe of Caversham,--had had his request refused!

He had condescended to ask Mr. Melmotte to make him a director of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway, and he, Adolphus Longestaffe of Caversham, had had his request refused!


Mr. Longestaffe had condescended very low.


"You have made Lord Alfred Grendall one!"


Then Mr. Melmotte explained that Lord Alfred possessed peculiar aptitudes for the position.


"I'm sure I could do anything that he does," said Mr. Longestaffe.

"I'm sure I could do anything that he does."


Upon this Mr. Melmotte, knitting his brows and speaking with some roughness, replied that the number of directors required was completed.

Mr. Melmotte, knitting his brows, had replied that the number of directors required was complete.


Since he had had two duchesses at his house Mr. Melmotte was beginning to feel that he was entitled to bully any mere commoner, especially a commoner who could ask him for a seat at his board.


Mr. Longestaffe was a tall, heavy man, about fifty, with hair and whiskers carefully dyed, whose clothes were made with great care, though they always seemed to fit him too tightly, and who thought very much of his personal appearance.

Mr. Longestaffe was a tall, heavy man, about fifty, with hair and whiskers carefully dyed, whose clothes were made with great care, though they always seemed too tight, and who thought very much of his personal appearance.


It was not that he considered himself handsome, but that he was specially proud of his aristocratic bearing.

He was especially proud of his aristocratic bearing.


He entertained an idea that all who understood the matter would perceive at a single glance that he was a gentleman of the first water, and a man of fashion.

He had an idea that people could perceive at a single glance that he was a gentleman and a man of fashion.


He was intensely proud of his position in life, thinking himself to be immensely superior to all those who earned their bread.

He thought himself to be immensely superior to all those who earned their bread.


There were no doubt gentlemen of different degrees, but the English gentleman of gentlemen was he who had land, and family title-deeds, and an old family place, and family portraits, and family embarrassments, and a family absence of any useful employment.

There were no doubt gentlemen of different degrees, but the greatest English gentleman was he who had land, an old family place, family portraits, and family debts, and a family absence of any useful employment.


He was beginning even to look down upon peers, since so many men of much less consequence than himself had been made lords; and, having stood and been beaten three or four times for his county, he was of opinion that a seat in the House was rather a mark of bad breeding.

He was beginning even to look down upon peers, since so many men of much less consequence than himself had been made lords; and, having stood for Parliament unsuccessfully three or four times, he was of the opinion that a seat in the House was rather a mark of bad breeding.


He was a silly man, who had no fixed idea that it behoved him to be of use to any one; but, yet, he had compassed a certain nobility of feeling.

He was a silly man; yet he had a certain nobility of feeling.


There was very little that his position called upon him to do, but there was much that it forbad him to do.


It was not allowed to him to be close in money matters.


He could leave his tradesmen's bills unpaid till the men were clamorous, but he could not question the items in their accounts.

He could leave his tradesmen's bills unpaid, but he could not question the items in their accounts.


He could be tyrannical to his servants, but he could not make inquiry as to the consumption of his wines in the servants' hall.

He could be tyrannical to his servants, but he could not inquire about the consumption of his wines in the servants' hall.


He had no pity for his tenants in regard to game, but he hesitated much as to raising their rent.

He had no pity for his tenants if they poached game, but he hesitated much as to raising their rent.


He had his theory of life and endeavoured to live up to it; but the attempt had hardly brought satisfaction to himself or to his family.


At the present moment, it was the great desire of his heart to sell the smaller of his two properties and disembarrass the other.

It was now the great desire of his heart to sell the smaller of his two properties and free the other from debt.


The debt had not been altogether of his own making, and the arrangement would, he believed, serve his whole family as well as himself.

The arrangement would, he believed, serve his whole family, and


It would also serve his son, who was blessed with a third property of his own which he had already managed to burden with debt.

also his son, who was blessed with a third property of his own which he had already managed to burden with debt.


The father could not bear to be refused; and he feared that his son would decline.

But the father feared that his son would decline.


"But Adolphus wants money as much as any one," Lady Pomona had said.


He had shaken his head and pished and pshawed.


Women never could understand anything about money.


Now he walked down sadly from Mr. Melmotte's office and was taken in his brougham to his lawyer's chambers in Lincoln's Inn.

Now he walked sadly from Mr. Melmotte's office and went to his lawyer's chambers.


Even for the accommodation of those few thousand pounds he was forced to condescend to tell his lawyers that the title-deeds of his house in town must be given up.

Even for those few thousand pounds he was forced to tell his lawyers that the title-deeds of his house in town must be given up.


Mr. Longestaffe felt that the world in general was very hard on him.

Mr. Longestaffe felt that the world was very hard on him.


"What on earth are we to do with the Melmottes?"


said Sophia, the eldest Miss Longestaffe, to her mother.


"I do think it's a shame of papa," said Georgiana, the second daughter.


"I certainly shan't trouble myself to entertain them."


"Of course you will leave them all on my hands," said Lady Pomona wearily.


"I can understand going to a crush at their house in town when everybody else goes.


One doesn't speak to them, and need not know them afterwards.


As to the girl, I'm sure I shouldn't remember her if I were to see her."

I'm sure I shouldn't remember the girl if I were to see her."


"It would be a fine thing if Adolphus would marry her," said Lady Pomona.


"Dolly will never marry anybody," said Georgiana.


"The idea of his taking the trouble of asking a girl to have him!


Besides, he won't come down to Caversham; cart-ropes wouldn't bring him.

Besides, he won't come down to Caversham.


If that is to be the game, mamma, it is quite hopeless."


"Why should Dolly marry such a creature as that?"


"Because everybody wants money," said Lady Pomona.


"I'm sure I don't know what your papa is to do, or how it is that there never is any money for anything.

"I'm sure I don't know why there is never any money for anything.


"I don't think that we do anything out of the way," said Sophia.


"I haven't the slightest idea what papa's income is; but if we're to live at all, I don't know how we are to make a change."


"It's always been like this ever since I can remember," said Georgiana, "and I don't mean to worry about it any more.

"It's been like this ever since I can remember," said Georgiana, "and I don't mean to worry about it any more.


I suppose it's just the same with other people, only one doesn't know it."


"But, my dears--when we are obliged to have such people as these Melmottes!"

I suppose we shall only have these Melmottes


"As for that, if we didn't have them somebody else would.


I suppose it will only be for two days."


"Then papa must take them about the country, that's all.


What good can they do papa by being down there?"


"He is wonderfully rich," said Lady Pomona.


"But I don't suppose he'll give papa his money," continued Georgiana.


"Of course I don't pretend to understand, but I think there is more fuss about these things than they deserve.


"If papa hasn't got money to live at home, why doesn't he go abroad for a year?


The Sydney Beauchamps did that, and the girls had quite a nice time of it in Florence.

The Sydney Beauchamps did that, and the girls had quite a nice time in Florence.


It was there that Clara Beauchamp met young Lord Liffey.

Clara Beauchamp met young Lord Liffey there.


I shouldn't at all mind that kind of thing, but I think it quite horrible to have these sort of people brought down upon us at Caversham.


No one knows who they are, or where they came from, or what they'll turn to."


So spoke Georgiana, who among the Longestaffes was supposed to have the strongest head, and certainly the sharpest tongue.


This conversation took place in the drawing-room of the Longestaffes' family town-house in Bruton Street.

This conversation took place in the drawing-room of the Longestaffes' London town-house in Bruton Street.


It was not by any means a charming house, having but few of those luxuries and elegancies which have been added of late years to newly-built London residences.


It was gloomy and inconvenient, with large drawing-rooms, bad bedrooms, and very little accommodation for servants.

being gloomy and inconvenient, with large drawing-rooms, bad bedrooms, and very little accommodation for servants.


But it was the old family town-house, having been inhabited by three or four generations of Longestaffes, and did not savour of that radical newness which prevails, and which was peculiarly distasteful to Mr. Longestaffe.

But three or four generations of Longestaffes had lived there.


Queen's Gate and the quarters around were, according to Mr. Longestaffe, devoted to opulent tradesmen.


Even Belgrave Square, though its aristocratic properties must be admitted, still smelt of the mortar.


Many of those living there and thereabouts had never possessed in their families real family town-houses.


The old streets lying between Piccadilly and Oxford Street, with one or two well-known localities to the south and north of these boundaries, were the proper sites for these habitations.


When Lady Pomona, instigated by some friend of high rank but questionable taste, had once suggested a change to Eaton Square, Mr. Longestaffe had at once snubbed his wife.

When Lady Pomona had once suggested a change to Eaton Square, Mr. Longestaffe had snubbed her.


If Bruton Street wasn't good enough for her and the girls then they might remain at Caversham.

If Bruton Street wasn't good enough for her and the girls, then they might remain at Caversham.


The threat of remaining at Caversham had been often made, for Mr. Longestaffe, proud as he was of his town-house, was, from year to year, very anxious to save the expense of the annual migration.

The threat of remaining at Caversham was often made, for Mr. Longestaffe, proud as he was of his town-house, was very anxious to save the expense of the annual migration to London.


The girls' dresses and the girls' horses, his wife's carriage and his own brougham, his dull London dinner-parties, and the one ball which it was always necessary that Lady Pomona should give, made him look forward to the end of July, with more dread than to any other period.

The girls' dresses and horses, the carriages and dull London dinner-parties, and the one ball which it was always necessary to give, made him dread the


It was then that he began to know what that year's season would cost him.


But he had never yet been able to keep his family in the country during the entire year.


The girls, who as yet knew nothing of the Continent beyond Paris, had signified their willingness to be taken about Germany and Italy for twelve months, but had shown by every means in their power that they would mutiny against any intention on their father's part to keep them at Caversham during the London season.

The girls were willing to be taken about Germany and Italy for twelve months, but had shown that they would mutiny against any attempt by their father to keep them at Caversham during the London season.


Georgiana had just finished her strong-minded protest against the Melmottes, when her brother strolled into the room.

Georgiana had just finished her protest against the Melmottes, when her brother strolled into the room.


Dolly did not often show himself in Bruton Street.


He had rooms of his own, and could seldom even be induced to dine with his family.


His mother wrote to him notes without end,--notes every day, pressing invitations of all sorts upon him; would he come and dine; would he take them to the theatre; would he go to this ball; would he go to that evening-party?

His mother wrote him notes asking, would he come and dine; would he take them to the theatre; would he go to this ball or that party?


These Dolly barely read, and never answered.


He would open them, thrust them into some pocket, and then forget them.


Consequently his mother worshipped him; and even his sisters, who were at any rate superior to him in intellect, treated him with a certain deference.

Consequently his mother worshipped him; and even his sisters, who were superior to him in intellect, treated him with deference.


He could do as he liked, and they felt themselves to be slaves, bound down by the dulness of the Longestaffe regime.

He was free to do as he liked, while they felt themselves to be slaves, bound down by the dull Longestaffe regime.


His freedom was grand to their eyes, and very enviable, although they were aware that he had already so used it as to impoverish himself in the midst of his wealth.


"My dear Adolphus," said the mother, "this is so nice of you."


"I think it is rather nice," said Dolly, submitting himself to be kissed.


"Oh Dolly, whoever would have thought of seeing you?"


Lady Pomona was always having tea from four o'clock till she was taken away to dress for dinner.


"I'd sooner have soda and brandy," said Dolly.


"I didn't ask for it, and I don't expect to get it; indeed I don't want it.


I only said I'd sooner have it than tea.


They all looked at him with wondering eyes.


There must be something going on more than they had dreamed of, when Dolly asked to see his father.

There must be something going on when Dolly asked to see his father.


"Papa went out in the brougham immediately after lunch," said Sophia gravely.

"Papa went out after lunch," said Sophia gravely.


"I'll wait a little for him," said Dolly, taking out his watch.

"I'll wait for him," said Dolly, taking out his watch.


"Do stay and dine with us," said Lady Pomona.


"I could not do that, because I've got to go and dine with some fellow."

"No, I've got to go and dine with some fellow."


I believe you don't know where you're going," said Georgiana.


"Adolphus," began Lady Pomona very seriously, "I've got a plan and I want you to help me."


"I hope there isn't very much to do in it, mother."


"We're all going to Caversham, just for Whitsuntide, and we particularly want you to come."

We're all going to Caversham for Whitsuntide, and we particularly want you to come."


Madame Melmotte and her daughter are coming."


said Sophia, "do remember where you are."


"Yes I will;--and I'll remember too where I won't be.


"I won't go to Caversham to meet old mother Melmotte."


"My dear boy," continued the mother, "do you know that Miss Melmotte will have twenty--thousand--a year the day she marries; and that in all probability her husband will some day be the richest man in Europe?"

"My dear boy," continued the mother, "do you know that Miss Melmotte will have twenty thousand a year the day she marries; and that her husband will probably some day be the richest man in Europe?"


"Half the fellows in London are after her," said Dolly.


"She isn't going to stay in the same house with half the fellows in London," suggested Georgiana.


"If you've a mind to try it you'll have a chance which nobody else can have just at present."

"If you've a mind to try it you'll have a chance which nobody else can have."


"It would put everything so straight," said Lady Pomona.


"They'll have to remain crooked if nothing else will put them straight.


"My dear," said Lady Pomona, "here's Adolphus come to see us."


The father nodded his head at his son but said nothing.


"We want him to stay and dine, but he's engaged."


"Though he doesn't know where," said Sophia.


I've got a letter, sir, ever so long, from those fellows in Lincoln's Inn.

"I've got a letter, sir," said Dolly, "ever so long, from those lawyer fellows.


They want me to come and see you about selling something; so I've come.


It's an awful bore, because I don't understand anything about it."


Perhaps there isn't anything to be sold.


"You'd better come with me into the study," said the father.


"We needn't disturb your mother and sisters about business."


Then the squire led the way out of the room, and Dolly followed, making a woful grimace at his sisters.

The squire led the way out of the room, and Dolly followed, making a woeful grimace at his sisters.


The three ladies sat over their tea for about half-an-hour, waiting,--not the result of the conference, for with that they did not suppose that they would be made acquainted,--but whatever signs of good or evil might be collected from the manner and appearance of the squire when he should return to them.

The three ladies sat over their tea for about half-an-hour, waiting for whatever signs of good or evil might be collected from the squire's manner when he should return to them.


Dolly they did not expect to see again,--probably for a month.

Dolly they did not expect to see again - probably for a month.


He and the squire never did come together without quarrelling, and careless as was the young man in every other respect, he had hitherto been obdurate as to his own rights in any dealings which he had with his father.

He and the squire never met without quarrelling.


At the end of the half hour Mr. Longestaffe returned to the drawing-room, and at once pronounced the doom of the family.


"My dear," he said, "we shall not return from Caversham to London this year."

"My dear," he said, "we shall not come back to London this year."


He struggled hard to maintain a grand dignified tranquillity as he spoke, but his voice quivered with emotion.

He struggled hard to maintain a grand dignified tranquillity, but his voice quivered with emotion.


[Illustration: Then the squire led the way out of the room, and Dolly followed.]


"My dear, you don't mean it," said Lady Pomona.


"Of course papa doesn't mean it," said Georgiana rising to her feet.

"Of course papa doesn't mean it," said Georgiana, rising to her feet.


"I mean it accurately and certainly," said Mr. Longestaffe.

"Certainly I mean it," said Mr. Longestaffe.


"We go to Caversham in about ten days, and we shall not return from Caversham to London this year."

"We go to Caversham in about ten days, and we shall not return to London this year."


So saying, the master of the house left the drawing-room and descended to his study.

So saying, the master of the house left the drawing-room.


The three ladies, when left to deplore their fate, expressed their opinions as to the sentence which had been pronounced very strongly.

The three ladies expressed their opinions very strongly,


But the daughters were louder in their anger than was their mother.

the daughters more loudly than their mother.


"He does," said Lady Pomona, with tears in her eyes.


"He must unmean it again;--that's all," said Georgiana.


"Dolly has said something to him very rough, and he resents it upon us.


Why did he bring us up at all if he means to take us down before the season has begun?"

Why did he bring us up to London at all," said Georgiana, "if he means to take us away before the season has begun?"


"I wonder what Adolphus has said to him.


Your papa is always hard upon Adolphus."


"Dolly can take care of himself," said Georgiana, "and always does do so.

"Dolly can take care of himself," said Georgiana.


You must give up going to Caversham altogether, unless he promises to bring us back.

You must give up going to Caversham, unless he promises to bring us back.


I won't stir,--unless he has me carried out of the house."

I won't stir, unless he has me carried out of the house."


To go and be buried down in that place for a whole year with no one near us but the rusty old bishop and Mr. Carbury, who is rustier still.

To be buried down in that place for a whole year with no one near but the rusty old bishop and Mr. Carbury


There are some sort of things that one ought not to stand.


If you go down I shall stay up with the Primeros.

If you go there I shall stay in town with the Primeros.


Oh yes;--it's quite true; I know that as well as you, Sophia; they are vulgar; but not half so vulgar, mamma, as your friend Madame Melmotte."

They are vulgar; but not half so vulgar, mamma, as your friend Madame Melmotte."


"But you're going to have her down at Caversham.


I can't think what made you dream of going to Caversham just now, knowing as you do how hard papa is to manage."

I can't think what made you dream of going to Caversham just now."


"Everybody has taken to going out of town at Whitsuntide, my dear."

"Everybody is going out of town at Whitsuntide, my dear."


People understand too well the trouble of getting up and down for that.


I never heard of such a thing in all my life.


If he wants to save money why doesn't he shut Caversham up altogether and go abroad?


Caversham costs a great deal more than is spent in London, and it's the dullest house, I think, in all England."

Caversham costs a great deal more than is spent in London, and it's the dullest house in all England."


The family party in Bruton Street that evening was not very gay.


Nothing was being done, and they sat gloomily in each other's company.


Whatever mutinous resolutions might be formed and carried out by the ladies of the family, they were not brought forward on that occasion.


The two girls were quite silent, and would not speak to their father, and when he addressed them they answered simply by monosyllables.

The two girls were quite silent, and would not speak to their father. When he addressed them they answered simply by monosyllables.


Lady Pomona was ill, and sat in a corner of a sofa, wiping her eyes.


To her had been imparted up-stairs the purport of the conversation between Dolly and his father.

She had been told the purport of the conversation between Dolly and his father.


Dolly had refused to consent to the sale of Pickering unless half the produce of the sale were to be given to him at once.

Dolly had refused to consent to the sale of Pickering unless half the proceeds were to be given to him at once.


When it had been explained to him that the sale would be desirable in order that the Caversham property might be freed from debt, which Caversham property would eventually be his, he replied that he also had an estate of his own which was a little mortgaged and would be the better for money.

When it had been explained to him that the sale was to free the Caversham property from debt - and Caversham would eventually be his - he replied that he also had an estate of his own which would be the better for money.


The result seemed to be that Pickering could not be sold,--and, as a consequence of that, Mr. Longestaffe had determined that there should be no more London expenses that year.

The result seemed to be that Pickering could not be sold. In consequence, Mr. Longestaffe had determined that there should be no more London expenses that year.


The girls, when they got up to go to bed, bent over him and kissed his head, as was their custom.


There was very little show of affection in the kiss.


"You had better remember that what you have to do in town must be done this week," he said.

"You had better remember that anything you have to do in town must be done this week," he said.


They heard the words, but marched in stately silence out of the room without deigning to notice them.

They heard the words, but marched out in stately silence.


Mr. Fisker was fully satisfied with the progress he had made, but he never quite succeeded in reconciling Paul Montague to the whole transaction.

Mr. Fisker was fully satisfied with his progress, but he never quite succeeded in reconciling Paul Montague to the transaction.


Mr. Melmotte was indeed so great a reality, such a fact in the commercial world of London, that it was no longer possible for such a one as Montague to refuse to believe in the scheme.

Mr. Melmotte was indeed so great in the commercial world of London that Paul could no longer refuse to believe in the scheme.


Melmotte had the telegraph at his command, and had been able to make as close inquiries as though San Francisco and Salt Lake City had been suburbs of London.

Melmotte had made close inquiries of San Francisco and Salt Lake City by telegraph.


He was chairman of the British branch of the Company, and had had shares allocated to him,--or as he said to the house,--to the extent of two millions of dollars.

He was chairman of the British branch of the Company, and had shares allocated to him - he said - to the extent of two million dollars.


But still there was a feeling of doubt, and a consciousness that Melmotte, though a tower of strength, was thought by many to have been built upon the sands.

But still Paul felt doubt, and was conscious that Melmotte, though a tower of strength, was thought by many to have been built upon the sands.


Paul had now of course given his full authority to the work, much in opposition to the advice of his old friend Roger Carbury,--and had come up to live in town, that he might personally attend to the affairs of the great railway.

Paul had now given his full consent to the work, against the advice of his old friend Roger Carbury, and had come to live in London, to attend to the affairs of the great railway.


There was an office just behind the Exchange, with two or three clerks and a secretary, the latter position being held by Miles Grendall, Esq.

There was an office behind the Exchange, with two or three clerks and a secretary - the latter being Miles Grendall.


Paul, who had a conscience in the matter and was keenly alive to the fact that he was not only a director but was also one of the firm of Fisker, Montague, and Montague which was responsible for the whole affair, was grievously anxious to be really at work, and would attend most inopportunely at the Company's offices.

Paul, who was keenly aware that he was not only a director but also one of the firm responsible for the whole affair, was very anxious to be really at work, and would arrive most inopportunely at the Company's offices.


Fisker, who still lingered in London, did his best to put a stop to this folly, and on more than one occasion somewhat snubbed his partner.

Fisker did his best to put a stop to this folly.


"My dear fellow, what's the use of your flurrying yourself?

"My dear fellow," he said, "what's the use of flurrying yourself?


In a thing of this kind, when it has once been set agoing, there is nothing else to do.

Once a thing of this kind has been set agoing, there is nothing else to do.


You may have to work your fingers off before you can make it move, and then fail.


If you go there on the Thursdays that's quite as much as you need do.

If you go there on Thursdays that's quite as much as you need do.


You don't suppose that such a man as Melmotte would put up with any real interference."

A man such as Melmotte would not put up with any real interference."


Paul endeavoured to assert himself, declaring that as one of the managers he meant to take a part in the management;--that his fortune, such as it was, had been embarked in the matter, and was as important to him as was Mr. Melmotte's fortune to Mr. Melmotte.

Paul tried to assert himself, declaring that as one of the managers he meant to take a part in the management, his own fortune being at stake;


But Fisker got the better of him and put him down.


a few beggarly thousands of dollars not worth talking of, and barely sufficient to enable a man to look at an enterprise.

a few beggarly thousand dollars not worth talking of.


Look here, sir;--there's more to be got out of the smashing up of such an affair as this, if it should smash up, than could be made by years of hard work out of such fortunes as yours and mine in the regular way of trade."

Look here, sir; there's more to be made here than could be made by years of hard work in regular trade."


Paul Montague certainly did not love Mr. Fisker personally, nor did he relish his commercial doctrines; but he allowed himself to be carried away by them.

Paul Montague allowed himself to be carried away by Fisker's arguments.


"When and how was I to have helped myself?"


"The money had been raised and spent before this man came here at all.


It's all very well to say that he had no right to do it; but he had done it.


I couldn't even have gone to law with him without going over to California, and then I should have got no redress."

I couldn't have gone to law with him without going over to California, and then I should have got no redress."


Through it all he disliked Fisker, and yet Fisker had one great merit which certainly recommended itself warmly to Montague's appreciation.

He disliked Fisker, and yet Fisker had one great merit


Though he denied the propriety of Paul's interference in the business, he quite acknowledged Paul's right to a share in the existing dash of prosperity.

: he quite acknowledged Paul's right to a share in the current dash of prosperity.


As to the real facts of the money affairs of the firm he would tell Paul nothing.

As to the real facts of the firm's money affairs, he would tell Paul nothing.


But he was well provided with money himself, and took care that his partner should be in the same position.

But he was well provided with money himself, and took care that Paul should be too.


He paid him all the arrears of his stipulated income up to the present moment, and put him nominally into possession of a large number of shares in the railway,--with, however, an understanding that he was not to sell them till they had reached ten per cent.

He paid him all the arrears of his income, and allocated him a large number of shares in the railway - with an understanding that he was not to sell them till they had reached ten per cent


above par, and that in any sale transacted he was to touch no other money than the amount of profit which would thus accrue.

above par, and that in any sale he was to touch no other money than the accruing profit.


What Melmotte was to be allowed to do with his shares, he never heard.

What Melmotte was to be allowed to do with his shares, Paul never heard.


As far as Montague could understand, Melmotte was in truth to be powerful over everything.

It seemed Melmotte was to be powerful over everything.


All this made the young man unhappy, restless, and extravagant.


He was living in London and had money at command, but he never could rid himself of the fear that the whole affair might tumble to pieces beneath his feet and that he might be stigmatised as one among a gang of swindlers.

He was living in London and had money at command, but he never could rid himself of the fear that the whole affair might tumble to pieces beneath his feet and that he might be stigmatised as a swindler.


We all know how, in such circumstances, by far the greater proportion of a man's life will be given up to the enjoyments that are offered to him and the lesser proportion to the cares, sacrifices, and sorrows.

Yet more of Paul's life was given up to enjoyments than to his cares and sorrows.


Had this young director been describing to his intimate friend the condition in which he found himself, he would have declared himself to be distracted by doubts, suspicions, and fears till his life was a burden to him.

Although he felt himself distracted by doubts, his


And yet they who were living with him at this time found him to be a very pleasant fellow, fond of amusement, and disposed to make the most of all the good things which came in his way.

associates found him to be a very pleasant fellow, fond of amusement and good living.


Under the auspices of Sir Felix Carbury he had become a member of the Beargarden, at which best of all possible clubs the mode of entrance was as irregular as its other proceedings.

Under the auspices of Sir Felix Carbury he had become a member of the Beargarden.


When any young man desired to come in who was thought to be unfit for its style of living, it was shown to him that it would take three years before his name could be brought up at the usual rate of vacancies; but in regard to desirable companions the committee had a power of putting them at the top of the list of candidates and bringing them in at once.

The waiting list for that club was three years, but


Paul Montague had suddenly become credited with considerable commercial wealth and greater commercial influence.

Paul Montague had suddenly become credited with commercial wealth and influence


He sat at the same Board with Melmotte and Melmotte's men; and was on this account elected at the Beargarden without any of that harassing delay to which other less fortunate candidates are subjected.

, and was elected at the Beargarden without any delay.


And,--let it be said with regret, for Paul Montague was at heart honest and well-conditioned,--he took to living a good deal at the Beargarden.

And - let it be said with regret, for Paul Montague was at heart honest and well-conditioned - he took to living a good deal at the Beargarden.


A man must dine somewhere, and everybody knows that a man dines cheaper at his club than elsewhere.

A man must dine somewhere, and he reasoned that a man dines cheaper at his club than elsewhere.


But Paul's dinners at the Beargarden were not cheap.


He saw a good deal of his brother directors, Sir Felix Carbury and Lord Nidderdale, entertained Lord Alfred more than once at the club, and had twice dined with his great chairman amidst all the magnificence of merchant-princely hospitality in Grosvenor Square.

He saw a good deal of his brother directors, Sir Felix Carbury and Lord Nidderdale, entertained Lord Alfred at the club, and had twice dined with his great chairman amidst the magnificence of Grosvenor Square.


It had indeed been suggested to him by Mr. Fisker that he also ought to enter himself for the great Marie Melmotte plate.

Mr. Fisker suggested to him that he ought to enter himself for the great Marie Melmotte plate.


Lord Nidderdale had again declared his intention of running, owing to considerable pressure put upon him by certain interested tradesmen, and with this intention had become one of the directors of the Mexican Railway Company.

Lord Nidderdale had again declared his intention of running, owing to pressure put upon him by certain tradesmen, and with this intention had become one of the directors of the Mexican Railway Company.


At the time, however, of which we are now writing, Sir Felix was the favourite for the race among fashionable circles generally.

However, Sir Felix was the favourite for the race among fashionable circles.


The middle of April had come, and Fisker was still in London.

By the middle of April Fisker was still in London.


When millions of dollars are at stake,--belonging perhaps to widows and orphans, as Fisker remarked,--a man was forced to set his own convenience on one side.


But this devotion was not left without reward, for Mr. Fisker had "a good time" in London.


He also was made free of the Beargarden, as an honorary member, and he also spent a good deal of money.

He was made an honorary member of the Beargarden, and spent a good deal of money.


But there is this comfort in great affairs, that whatever you spend on yourself can be no more than a trifle.


Champagne and ginger-beer are all the same when you stand to win or lose thousands,--with this only difference, that champagne may have deteriorating results which the more innocent beverage will not produce.

But champagne and ginger-beer are all the same when you stand to win or lose thousands.


The feeling that the greatness of these operations relieved them from the necessity of looking to small expenses operated in the champagne direction, both on Fisker and Montague, and the result was deleterious.

The feeling that they need not worry about small expenses led both Fisker and Montague in the champagne direction; and the result was damaging.


The Beargarden, no doubt, was a more lively place than Carbury Manor, but Montague found that he could not wake up on these London mornings with thoughts as satisfactory as those which attended his pillow at the old Manor House.

Montague found that he could not wake up on these London mornings with thoughts as satisfactory as those which had attended him at Carbury Manor.


On Saturday, the 19th of April, Fisker was to leave London on his return to New York, and on the 18th a farewell dinner was to be given to him at the club.

On the 19th of April, Fisker was to leave London for New York, and on the 18th a farewell dinner was to be given to him at the club.


Mr. Melmotte was asked to meet him, and on such an occasion all the resources of the club were to be brought forth.


; Lord Alfred Grendall was also to be a guest, and Mr. Cohenlupe, who went about a good deal with Melmotte.


Nidderdale, Carbury, Montague, and Miles Grendall were members of the club, and gave the dinner.

Nidderdale, Carbury, Montague, and Miles Grendall, as members of the club, gave the dinner.


Herr Vossner purveyed the viands and wines,--and paid for them.

Herr Vossner provided the food and wines.


Lord Nidderdale took the chair, with Fisker on his right hand, and Melmotte on his left, and, for a fast-going young lord, was supposed to have done the thing well.


There were only two toasts drunk, to the healths of Mr. Melmotte and Mr. Fisker, and two speeches were of course made by them.

There were two toasts drunk, to the healths of Mr. Melmotte and Mr. Fisker, and speeches were made by them.


Mr. Melmotte may have been held to have clearly proved the genuineness of that English birth which he claimed by the awkwardness and incapacity which he showed on the occasion.

Mr. Melmotte perhaps proved the genuineness of his English birth by the awkwardness he showed.


He stood with his hands on the table and with his face turned to his plate blurted out his assurance that the floating of this railway company would be one of the greatest and most successful commercial operations ever conducted on either side of the Atlantic.

He stood with his hands on the table, and with his face turned to his plate blurted out his assurance that the floating of this railway company would be one of the greatest commercial operations ever conducted on either side of the Atlantic.


It was a great thing,--a very great thing;--he had no hesitation in saying that it was one of the greatest things out.

It was a great thing - a very great thing; it was one of the greatest things ever.


He didn't believe a greater thing had ever come out.


He was happy to give his humble assistance to the furtherance of so great a thing,--and so on.

He was happy to give his humble assistance to the furtherance of so great a thing - and so on.


These assertions, not varying much one from the other, he jerked out like so many separate interjections, endeavouring to look his friends in the face at each, and then turning his countenance back to his plate as though seeking for inspiration for the next attempt.


He was not eloquent; but the gentlemen who heard him remembered that he was the great Augustus Melmotte, that he might probably make them all rich men, and they cheered him to the echo.

He was not eloquent; but the gentlemen who heard him remembered that he might make them all rich men, and they cheered.


Lord Alfred had reconciled himself to be called by his Christian name, since he had been put in the way of raising two or three hundred pounds on the security of shares which were to be allotted to him, but of which in the flesh he had as yet seen nothing.


If one can only get the tip of one's little finger into the right pie, what noble morsels, what rich esculents, will stick to it as it is extracted!


When Melmotte sat down Fisker made his speech, and it was fluent, fast, and florid.


Without giving it word for word, which would be tedious, I could not adequately set before the reader's eye the speaker's pleasing picture of world-wide commercial love and harmony which was to be produced by a railway from Salt Lake City to Vera Cruz, nor explain the extent of gratitude from the world at large which might be claimed by, and would finally be accorded to, the great firms of Melmotte & Co. of London, and Fisker, Montague, and Montague of San Francisco.


Mr. Fisker's arms were waved gracefully about.


His head was turned now this way and now that, but never towards his plate.


But there was more faith in one ponderous word from Mr. Melmotte's mouth than in all the American's oratory.

But the listeners had more faith in one ponderous word from Mr. Melmotte than in all the American's oratory.


There was not one of them then present who had not after some fashion been given to understand that his fortune was to be made, not by the construction of the railway, but by the floating of the railway shares.

All those present by now understood that their fortunes were to be made, not by the construction of the railway, but by the floating of the railway shares.


They had all whispered to each other their convictions on this head.


Even Montague did not beguile himself into an idea that he was really a director in a company to be employed in the making and working of a railway.

Even Montague did not beguile himself into an idea that he was really employed in the making and working of a railway.


People out of doors were to be advertised into buying shares, and they who were so to say indoors were to have the privilege of manufacturing the shares thus to be sold.

They were in the business of manufacturing shares to be sold.


That was to be their work, and they all knew it.


But now, as there were eight of them collected together, they talked of humanity at large and of the coming harmony of nations.

But the eight of them talked of humanity at large and of the coming harmony of nations.


After the first cigar, Melmotte withdrew, and Lord Alfred went with him.


Lord Alfred would have liked to remain, being a man who enjoyed tobacco and soda and brandy,--but momentous days had come upon him, and he thought it well to cling to his Melmotte.

Lord Alfred would have liked to remain to enjoy the tobacco and soda and brandy, but he thought it well to cling to his benefactor Melmotte.


Mr. Samuel Cohenlupe also went, not having taken a very distinguished part in the entertainment.


Then the young men were left alone, and it was soon proposed that they should adjourn to the cardroom.

The young men were left alone, and it was soon proposed that they should adjourn to the cardroom.


It had been rather hoped that Fisker would go with the elders.


Nidderdale, who did not understand much about the races of mankind, had his doubts whether the American gentleman might not be a "Heathen Chinee," such as he had read of in poetry.


But Mr. Fisker liked to have his amusement as well as did the others, and went up resolutely into the cardroom.


Here they were joined by Lord Grasslough, and were very quickly at work, having chosen loo as their game.

they were joined by Lord Grasslough, and were very quickly playing loo.


Mr. Fisker made an allusion to poker as a desirable pastime, but Lord Nidderdale, remembering his poetry, shook his head.


bother," he said, "let's have some game that Christians play."


Mr. Fisker declared himself ready for any game,--irrespective of religious prejudices.


It must be explained that the gambling at the Beargarden had gone on with very little interruption, and that on the whole Sir Felix Carbury kept his luck.

During the recent gambling at the Beargarden, on the whole Sir Felix Carbury had kept his luck.


There had of course been vicissitudes, but his star had been in the ascendant.


For some nights together this had been so continual that Mr. Miles Grendall had suggested to his friend Lord Grasslough that there must be foul play.

This luck had been so continual that Miles Grendall had suggested to his friend Lord Grasslough that there must be foul play.


Lord Grasslough, who had not many good gifts, was, at least, not suspicious, and repudiated the idea.

Lord Grasslough, though he had not many good gifts, was at least not suspicious, and rejected the idea.


"We'll keep an eye on him," Miles Grendall had said.


"You may do as you like, but I'm not going to watch any one," Grasslough had replied.

"You may do as you like, but I'm not going to watch anyone," Grasslough had replied.


Miles had watched, and had watched in vain, and it may as well be said at once that Sir Felix, with all his faults, was not as yet a blackleg.

Miles had watched in vain, and it may as well be said at once that Sir Felix, with all his faults, was not a cheat.


Both of them now owed Sir Felix a considerable sum of money, as did also Dolly Longestaffe, who was not present on this occasion.

Both of them now owed Sir Felix a considerable sum of money, as did Dolly Longestaffe.


Latterly very little ready money had passed hands,--very little in proportion to the sums which had been written down on paper,--though Sir Felix was still so well in funds as to feel himself justified in repudiating any caution that his mother might give him.

Very little ready money had passed hands, compared to the sums which had been written down on paper.


's have for some time passed freely in such a company as that now assembled the sudden introduction of a stranger is very disagreeable, particularly when that stranger intends to start for San Francisco on the following morning.

's have for some time passed freely in such a company, the sudden introduction of a stranger is very disagreeable, particularly when that stranger intends to start for San Francisco the next morning.


If it could be arranged that the stranger should certainly lose, no doubt then he would be regarded as a godsend.


Such strangers have ready money in their pockets, a portion of which would be felt to descend like a soft shower in a time of drought.


When these dealings in unsecured paper have been going on for a considerable time real bank notes come to have a loveliness which they never possessed before.


But should the stranger win, then there may arise complications incapable of any comfortable solution.

Should the stranger win, then there may arise complications which have no comfortable solution.


In such a state of things some Herr Vossner must be called in, whose terms are apt to be ruinous.

In such a state of things Herr Vossner must be called in to loan them cash at ruinous rates.


On this occasion things did not arrange themselves comfortably.


From the very commencement Fisker won, and quite a budget of little papers fell into his possession, many of which were passed to him from the hands of Sir Felix,--bearing, however, a "G" intended to stand for Grasslough, or an "N" for Nidderdale, or a wonderful hieroglyphic which was known at the Beargarden to mean D. L----, or Dolly Longestaffe, the fabricator of which was not present on the occasion.

From the start Fisker won, and quite a pile of little papers fell into his possession, many of which were passed to him from the hands of Sir Felix - bearing, however, a "G" for Grasslough, or an "N" for Nidderdale, or a wonderful hieroglyphic which was known at the Beargarden to mean D.L. for Dolly Longestaffe, who was not present.


Then there was the M. G. of Miles Grendall, which was a species of paper peculiarly plentiful and very unattractive on these commercial occasions.

And then there were plentiful M.G.s of Miles Grendall.


Paul Montague hitherto had never given an I.O.U.

Paul Montague up to now had never given an I.O.U.


at the Beargarden,--nor of late had our friend Sir Felix.


On the present occasion Montague won, though not heavily.

On this night he won, though not heavily.


Sir Felix lost continually, and was almost the only loser.


But Mr. Fisker won nearly all that was lost.


He was to start for Liverpool by train at 8.30 A.M., and at 6 A.M. he counted up his bits of paper and found himself the winner of about 600.

He was to start for Liverpool by train at 8.30 a.m., and at 6 a.m. he counted up his bits of paper and found himself the winner of about 600.


"I think that most of them came from you, Sir Felix," he said,--handing the bundle across the table.

"I think that most of them came from you, Sir Felix," he said, handing the bundle across the table.


"I dare say they did, but they are all good against these other fellows."


Then Fisker, with most perfect good humour, extracted one from the mass which indicated Dolly Longestaffe's indebtedness to the amount of 50.

Fisker, with perfect good humour, extracted one from the mass which indicated that Dolly Longestaffe owed 50.


"That's Longestaffe," said Felix, "and I'll change that of course."


Then out of his pocket-book he extracted other minute documents bearing that M. G. which was so little esteemed among them,--and so made up the sum.

Out of his pocket-book he extracted other minute documents bearing "M.G.", and so made up the sum.


"You seem to have 150 from Grasslough, 145 from Nidderdale, and 322 10_s._ from Grendall," said the baronet.

"You seem to have 150 from Grasslough, 145 from Nidderdale, and 322 10s.


Then Sir Felix got up as though he had paid his score.

from Grendall," said Sir Felix, and he got up as though he had paid his score.


Fisker, with smiling good humour, arranged the little bits of paper before him and looked round upon the company.


"This won't do, you know," said Nidderdale.


"Mr. Fisker must have his money before he leaves.


"As it happens I have not," said Sir Felix;--"but what if I had?"

"As it happens I have not," said Sir Felix; "but what if I had?"


"Mr. Fisker starts for New York immediately," said Lord Nidderdale.


I think Carbury ought to pay the money as he lost it, and we didn't expect to have our I.O.U.


"Lord Nidderdale," said Sir Felix, "I have already said that I have not got the money about me.


Why should I have it more than you, especially as I knew I had I.O.U.


's more than sufficient to meet anything I could lose when I sat down?"


"Mr. Fisker must have his money at any rate," said Lord Nidderdale, ringing the bell again.


"It doesn't matter one straw, my lord," said the American.


"Let it be sent to me to Frisco, in a bill, my lord."


And so he got up to take his hat, greatly to the delight of Miles Grendall.

And he got up to take his hat, greatly to the delight of Miles Grendall.


But the two young lords would not agree to this.


"If you must go this very minute I'll meet you at the train with the money," said Nidderdale.

"If you must go I'll meet you at the train with the money," said Nidderdale.


Fisker begged that no such trouble should be taken.


Of course he would wait ten minutes if they wished.


But the affair was one of no consequence.


Then Herr Vossner came from his bed, suddenly arrayed in a dressing-gown, and there was a conference in a corner between him, the two lords, and Mr. Grendall.

Then Herr Vossner came from his bed, in a dressing-gown, and there was a conference in a corner between him, the two lords, and Mr. Grendall.


In a very few minutes Herr Vossner wrote a cheque for the amount due by the lords, but he was afraid that he had not money at his banker's sufficient for the greater claim.

In a very few minutes Herr Vossner wrote a cheque for the amount due from Nidderdale and Grasslough, but he was afraid that he had not money at his bank sufficient for the greatest sum.


It was well understood that Herr Vossner would not advance money to Mr. Grendall unless others would pledge themselves for the amount.

It was known that Herr Vossner would not advance money to Mr. Grendall unless others would guarantee it.


"I suppose I'd better send you a bill over to America," said Miles Grendall, who had taken no part in the matter as long as he was in the same boat with the lords.

"I suppose I'd better send you a bill over to America," said Miles Grendall.


My partner, Montague, will tell you the address."


Then bustling off, taking an affectionate adieu of Paul, shaking hands with them all round, and looking as though he cared nothing for the money, he took his leave.

Then, shaking hands all round, he took his leave.


"One cheer for the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway," he said as he went out of the room.


His manners were not as their manners; his waistcoat not as their waistcoats.


He smoked his cigar after a fashion different from theirs, and spat upon the carpet.


He said "my lord" too often, and grated their prejudices equally whether he treated them with familiarity or deference.


But he had behaved well about the money, and they felt that they were behaving badly.


Sir Felix was the immediate offender, as he should have understood that he was not entitled to pay a stranger with documents which, by tacit contract, were held to be good among themselves.

Sir Felix was the immediate offender, as he should have understood that he was not entitled to pay a stranger with their I.O.U.s.


But there was no use now in going back to that.


"Vossner must get the money," said Nidderdale.


"I don't think it's my fault," said Miles.


"Of course no one thought he was to be called upon in this sort of way."

"Of course no one expected to be called upon in this way."


"You acknowledge that you owe the money."


"I think Carbury ought to have paid it," said Grasslough.


"Grassy, my boy," said the baronet, "your attempts at thinking are never worth much.


Why was I to suppose that a stranger would be playing among us?


Had you a lot of ready money with you to pay if you had lost it?


I don't always walk about with six hundred pounds in my pocket;--nor do you!"

I don't walk about with six hundred pounds in my pocket - nor do you!"


"It's no good jawing," said Nidderdale; "let's get the money."


Then Montague offered to undertake the debt himself, saying that there were money transactions between him and his partner.


He had only lately come among them, had as yet had no dealing in I.O.U.


's, and was the last man in the company who ought to be made responsible for the impecuniosity of Miles Grendall.

, and was the last man in the company who ought to be made responsible for the debts of Miles Grendall.


He, the impecunious one,--the one whose impecuniosity extended to the absolute want of credit,--sat silent, stroking his heavy moustache.

He, the impecunious one, sat silent, stroking his moustache.


There was a second conference between Herr Vossner and the two lords in another room, which ended in the preparation of a document by which Miles Grendall undertook to pay to Herr Vossner 450 at the end of three months, and this was endorsed by the two lords, by Sir Felix, and by Paul Montague; and in return for this the German produced 322 10_s._ in notes and gold.

There was a second conference between Herr Vossner and the two lords in another room, which ended in the preparation of a document by which Miles Grendall undertook to pay Herr Vossner 450 at the end of three months; and in return for this the German produced 322 10s. in notes and gold.


Then a cup of tea was prepared and swallowed; after which Nidderdale, with Montague, started off to meet Fisker at the railway station.

Then a cup of tea was swallowed; after which Nidderdale and Montague set off to meet Fisker at the railway station.


"It'll only be a trifle over 100 each," said Nidderdale, in the cab.


If you went to his uncle the duke, I suppose you could get it.


Or Buntingford might put it right for you.


Perhaps he might win, you know, some day, and then he'd make it square.

Or he might win, you know, some day, and then he'd make it square.


They found Fisker wonderfully brilliant with bright rugs, and greatcoats with silk linings.


"We've brought you the tin," said Nidderdale, accosting him on the platform.

"We've brought you the tin," said Nidderdale.


"Upon my word, my lord, I'm sorry you have taken so much trouble about such a trifle."


"A man should always have his money when he wins."


"We don't think anything about such little matters at Frisco, my lord."


"You're fine fellows at Frisco, I dare say.


Sometimes we can't, and then it is not pleasant."


Fresh adieus were made between the two partners, and between the American and the lord;--and then Fisker was taken off on his way towards Frisco.

Fresh adieus were made, and then Fisker was taken off.


"He's not half a bad fellow, but he's not a bit like an Englishman," said Lord Nidderdale, as he walked out of the station.

"He's not a bad fellow, but he's not a bit like an Englishman," said Lord Nidderdale, as he walked out of the station.


When all her friends were gone Lady Carbury looked about for her son,--not expecting to find him, for she knew how punctual was his nightly attendance at the Beargarden, but still with some faint hope that he might have remained on this special occasion to tell her of his fortune.

When all her friends were gone Lady Carbury looked about for her son - expecting him to have gone to the Beargarden, but still with some faint hope that he might have remained to tell her of his fortune.


She had watched the whispering, had noticed the cool effrontery with which Felix had spoken,--for without hearing the words she had almost known the very moment in which he was asking,--and had seen the girl's timid face, and eyes turned to the ground, and the nervous twitching of her hands as she replied.

She had watched the whispering, and without hearing the words she had almost known the very moment in which he was asking - and had seen the girl's timid face, eyes turned to the ground, and the nervous twitching of her hands as she replied.


As a woman, understanding such things, who had herself been wooed, who had at least dreamed of love, she had greatly disapproved her son's manner.

As a woman who had herself been wooed, she had greatly disapproved of her son's manner.


But yet, if it might be successful, if the girl would put up with love-making so slight as that, and if the great Melmotte would accept in return for his money a title so modest as that of her son, how glorious should her son be to her in spite of his indifference!

Yet if the girl would put up with love-making so slight as that, and if the great Melmotte would accept in return for his money a title as modest as her son's, how glorious should Felix be to her!


"I heard him leave the house before the Melmottes went," said Henrietta, when the mother spoke of going up to her son's bedroom.

"I heard him leave the house before the Melmottes went," said Henrietta.


"I should have thought you would have been anxious about your brother.


I feel sure he did,--and that she accepted him."

I feel sure he did - and that she accepted him."


"Why shouldn't he love her as well as any one else?

"Why shouldn't he love her as well as anyone else?


A girl need not be odious because she has money.


There is nothing disagreeable about her."


I do not know that she is especially attractive."


I don't see anybody specially attractive.


It seems to me you are quite indifferent about Felix."


"You don't understand all that he might be with this girl's fortune, and what he must be unless he gets money by marriage.


"It's all very well to say that, but I have some heart.


Think what he might be with 20,000 a-year!"

Think what he might be with 20,000 a year!"


"If he is to marry for that only, I cannot think that they will be happy."


You never say a word to comfort me in all my troubles."


Then Henrietta went to bed, and Lady Carbury absolutely sat up the whole night waiting for her son, in order that she might hear his tidings.

Henrietta went to bed, and Lady Carbury sat up the whole night waiting for her son.


She went up to her room, disembarrassed herself of her finery, and wrapped herself in a white dressing-gown.

She went up to her room, took off her finery, and wrapped herself in a white dressing-gown.


As she sat opposite to her glass, relieving her head from its garniture of false hair, she acknowledged to herself that age was coming on her.

As she sat before her mirror, she acknowledged that age was coming on her.


She could hide the unwelcome approach by art,--hide it more completely than can most women of her age; but, there it was, stealing on her with short grey hairs over her ears and around her temples, with little wrinkles round her eyes easily concealed by unobjectionable cosmetics, and a look of weariness round the mouth which could only be removed by that self-assertion of herself which practice had made always possible to her in company, though it now so frequently deserted her when she was alone.

She could hide the unwelcome approach by art; but there it was, stealing on her with grey hairs around her temples, with little wrinkles round her eyes, and a look of weariness round the mouth which could only be removed by that self-assertion which practice had always made possible in company, though it now frequently deserted her when she was alone.


But she was not a woman to be unhappy because she was growing old.

But she was not unhappy because she was growing old.


Her happiness, like that of most of us, was ever in the future,--never reached but always coming.

Her happiness, like that of most of us, was ever in the future - never reached but always coming.


She, however, had not looked for happiness to love and loveliness, and need not therefore be disappointed on that score.


She had never really determined what it was that might make her happy,--having some hazy aspiration after social distinction and literary fame, in which was ever commingled solicitude respecting money.

She had never really determined what might make her happy - having some hazy aspiration after social distinction and literary fame, mixed with anxiety about money.


But at the present moment her great fears and her great hopes were centred on her son.

But at present her great fears and hopes were centred on her son.


She would not care how grey might be her hair, or how savage might be Mr. Alf, if her Felix were to marry this heiress.


On the other hand, nothing that pearl-powder or the "Morning Breakfast Table" could do would avail anything, unless he could be extricated from the ruin that now surrounded him.


So she went down into the dining-room, that she might be sure to hear the key in the door, even should she sleep, and waited for him with a volume of French memoirs in her hand.

She went down into the dining-room, where she would hear the key in the door, and waited for him with a volume of French memoirs in her hand.


she might have gone to bed and have been duly called about her usual time, for it was past eight and the full staring daylight shone into her room when Felix's cab brought him to the door.

she might as well have gone to bed, for it was past eight when Felix's cab brought him to the door.


The night had been very wretched to her.


She had slept, and the fire had sunk nearly to nothing and had refused to become again comfortable.

She had slept, and the fire had sunk nearly to nothing.


She could not keep her mind to her book, and while she was awake the time seemed to be everlasting.

While she was awake the time seemed everlasting.


And then it was so terrible to her that he should be gambling at such hours as these!

It was so terrible to her that he should be gambling at these hours!


Why should he desire to gamble if this girl's fortune was ready to fall into his hands?


Fool, to risk his health, his character, his beauty, the little money which at this moment of time might be so indispensable to his great project, for the chance of winning something which in comparison with Marie Melmotte's money must be despicable!

Fool, to risk his health, his character, his beauty, and the little money which he needed for his great project!


She waited patiently till he had thrown aside his hat and coat, and then she appeared at the dining-room door.


She had studied her part for the occasion.


She would not say a harsh word, and now she endeavoured to meet him with a smile.


"Mother," he said, "you up at this hour!"


His face was flushed, and she thought that there was some unsteadiness in his gait.

His face was flushed, and she thought that he was unsteady.


She had never seen him tipsy, and it would be doubly terrible to her if such should be his condition.

She had never seen him tipsy; it would be doubly terrible to her if that were so.


"I could not go to bed till I had seen you."

"I could not go to bed till I had seen you," she said.


There's been a gentle row among the fellows at the club;--that's all.

There's been a row among the fellows at the club; that's all.


I had to tell Grasslough a bit of my mind, and he didn't like it.

I had to tell Grasslough my mind, and he didn't like it.


"There is not going to be any fighting, Felix?"


"What, duelling; oh no,--nothing so exciting as that.


Whether somebody may not have to kick somebody is more than I can say at present.


You must let me go to bed now, for I am about used up."


And he stood with his hand on the door as he answered her.


Good heavens, mother, do you think that a man is in a condition to talk about such stuff as that at eight o'clock in the morning, when he has been up all night?"

Good heavens, mother, do you think a man is in a condition to talk about such stuff at eight o'clock in the morning, when he has been up all night?"


"If you knew all that I suffer on your behalf you would speak a word to me," she said, imploring him, holding him by the arm, and looking into his purple face and bloodshot eyes.


She could smell the drink in his breath.


"I must go to the old fellow, of course."


"As far as I remember, that was about it.


Of course, he means to settle it as he likes.

Of course, he will settle it as he likes.


I should say that it's ten to one against me."


Pulling himself away with some little roughness from his mother's hold, he made his way up to his own bedroom, occasionally stumbling against the stairs.

Pulling himself away with some roughness, he made his way up to his own bedroom, occasionally stumbling against the stairs.


Then the heiress herself had accepted her son!


Lady Carbury recalled to mind her old conviction that a daughter may always succeed in beating a hard-hearted parent in a contention about marriage, if she be well in earnest.

But to beat a hard-hearted parent in an argument about marriage, a


But then the girl must be really in earnest, and her earnestness will depend on that of her lover.


In this case, however, there was as yet no reason for supposing that the great man would object.

However, there was no reason for supposing that Mr. Melmotte would object.


As far as outward signs went, the great man had shown some partiality for her son.

He had shown some partiality for her son,


No doubt it was Mr. Melmotte who had made Sir Felix a director of the great American Company.

in making him a director of the great American Company.


Felix had also been kindly received in Grosvenor Square.


And then Sir Felix was Sir Felix,--a real baronet.


Mr. Melmotte had no doubt endeavoured to catch this and that lord; but, failing a lord, why should he not content himself with a baronet?

If Mr. Melmotte had failed to catch a lord, why should he not content himself with a baronet?


Lady Carbury thought that her son wanted nothing but money to make him an acceptable suitor to such a father-in-law as Mr. Melmotte;--not money in the funds, not a real fortune, not so many thousands a-year that could be settled;--the man's own enormous wealth rendered this unnecessary;--but such a one as Mr. Melmotte would not like outward palpable signs of immediate poverty.

Lady Carbury thought that her son wanted nothing but money to make him acceptable to Mr. Melmotte; not a real fortune - the man's own enormous wealth made this unnecessary - but Melmotte would not like outward signs of poverty.


There should be means enough for present sleekness and present luxury.

There should be means enough for sleekness and luxury.


He must have a horse to ride, and rings and coats to wear, and bright little canes to carry, and above all the means of making presents.

Felix must have a horse to ride, and rings and coats to wear, and above all the means of giving presents.


Fortunately, most fortunately, Chance had befriended him lately and had given him some ready money.

Fortunately, Chance had befriended him lately and had given him some ready money.


But if he went on gambling Chance would certainly take it all away again.


For aught that the poor mother knew, Chance might have done so already.

For all that the poor mother knew, Chance might have done so already.


And then again, it was indispensable that he should abandon the habit of play--at any rate for the present, while his prospects depended on the good opinions of Mr. Melmotte.

He must abandon the habit of play - at any rate while his prospects depended on the good opinions of Mr. Melmotte.


Of course such a one as Mr. Melmotte could not like gambling at a club, however much he might approve of it in the City.

Such a one as Mr. Melmotte would not like gambling at a club, however much he might approve of it in the City.


Why, with such a preceptor to help him, should not Felix learn to do his gambling on the Exchange, or among the brokers, or in the purlieus of the Bank?

Why should not Felix learn to do his gambling on the Exchange, or among the brokers?


Lady Carbury would at any rate instigate him to be diligent in his position as director of the Great Mexican Railway,--which position ought to be the beginning to him of a fortune to be made on his own account.

Lady Carbury would at any rate urge him to be diligent in his position as director of the Great Mexican Railway.


But what hope could there be for him if he should take to drink?


Would not all hopes be over with Mr. Melmotte should he ever learn that his daughter's lover reached home and tumbled up-stairs to bed between eight and nine o'clock in the morning?

Would not all hopes be over if Mr. Melmotte should ever learn that his daughter's lover tumbled upstairs to bed between eight and nine o'clock in the morning?


She watched for his appearance on the following day, and began at once on the subject.

She watched for Felix's appearance at breakfast on the following day, and began at once on the subject.


"Do you know, Felix, I think I shall go down to your cousin Roger for Whitsuntide."


said he, as he eat some devilled kidneys which the cook had been specially ordered to get for his breakfast.


"I thought you found it so dull that you didn't mean to go there any more."


I thought that perhaps she mightn't like it."


Besides, everything can't give way to her."


"No; but I'm sure he'd be pleased to have us if I proposed that we should all go."


"What on earth should I do at Carbury Manor?" demanded Felix.


"Madame Melmotte told me last night that they were all going down to Caversham to stay three or four days with the Longestaffes.


She spoke of Lady Pomona as quite her particular friend."


said Lady Carbury, who had heard of Dolly Longestaffe, and was not without some fear that this projected visit to Caversham might have some matrimonial purpose in reference to that delightful young heir.

said Lady Carbury, who had heard of Dolly Longestaffe, and feared that he might also have some matrimonial purpose in reference to Miss Melmotte's visit.


"They say at the club that Melmotte has taken up old Longestaffe's affairs, and means to put them straight.


There's an old property in Sussex as well as Caversham, and they say that Melmotte is to have that himself.

There's an old property in Sussex as well as Caversham, and they say that Melmotte is to buy that for himself.


There's some bother because Dolly, who would do anything for anybody else, won't join his father in selling.

There's some bother because Dolly won't join his father in selling it.


So the Melmottes are going to Caversham!"


"And the Longestaffes are the proudest people in England."


"Of course we ought to be at Carbury Manor while they are there.


Everybody goes out of town at Whitsuntide; and why shouldn't we run down to the family place?"

Everybody goes out of town at Whitsuntide."


"All very natural if you can manage it, mother."


"If Marie Melmotte goes, I'll be there at any rate for one day and night," said Felix.


His mother thought that, for him, the promise had been graciously made.


It is hoped that the reader need hardly be informed that Hetta Carbury was a very miserable young woman as soon as she decided that duty compelled her to divide herself altogether from Paul Montague.

Hetta Carbury was very miserable after she decided that she had to divide herself altogether from Paul Montague.


I think that she was irrational; but to her it seemed that the offence against herself,--the offence against her own dignity as a woman,--was too great to be forgiven.

I think that she was irrational; but to her it seemed that the offence against her dignity as a woman was too great to be forgiven.


There can be no doubt that it would all have been forgiven with the greatest ease had Paul told the story before it had reached her ears from any other source.

There can be no doubt that it would have been forgiven with the greatest ease had Paul told the story before it had reached her ears from another source.


Had he said to her,--when her heart was softest towards him,--I once loved another woman, and that woman is here now in London, a trouble to me, persecuting me, and her history is so and so, and the history of my love for her was after this fashion, and the history of my declining love is after that fashion, and of this at any rate you may be sure, that this woman has never been near my heart from the first moment in which I saw you;--had he told it to her thus, there would not have been an opening for anger.

If he had said to her, I once loved another woman, and that woman is here now in London, a trouble to me, persecuting me, and her history is so and so - you may be sure that she would not have been angry.


And he doubtless would have so told it, had not Hetta's brother interfered too quickly.


He was then forced to exculpate himself, to confess rather than to tell his own story,--and to admit facts which wore the air of having been concealed, and which had already been conceived to be altogether damning if true.

But he had been forced to confess rather than tell his own story, and to admit facts which had been concealed.