“I don’t deny it,” said the old man with another chuckle--“I don’t deny it. Everything they like--until they come to separatin’ me from my money. I’ll spend on them as much as any man; but when it comes to settlin’, pound by pound--you’ve heard it before.” “Oh yes, I’ve heard it before,” the doctor said with a half groan, “and I suppose there are very few men under the circumstances----” “Plenty of men! Why there’s young Fred Turny--fine young fellow--as flashy as you like with his rings and his pins, good cricketer and all that, though I think it’s nonsense, and keeps a young fellow off his business. Why, twice the man that Somers fellow was! Had him down for Stella to look at, and she as good as turned him out of the house. Oh, she was an impudent one! Came down again the other day, on spec, looking after Katie; and bless you, she’s just as bad, hankering after them military swells, too, without a copper. I’m glad to know my Lady Jane understands what’s what and kept her out of their way.” “There were only county people--young Fortescue, who has a pretty estate, and myself.” “Oh, you don’t count,” said old Mr. Tredgold; “we needn’t reckon you. Young Fortescue, eh? All land, no money. Land’s a very bad investment in these days. I think I’ll have nothing to do with young Fortescue. Far safer money on the table; then you run no risks.” “Young Fortescue is not a candidate, I believe,” said Dr. Burnet with a smile much against the grain. “A candidate for what?--the county? I don’t take any interest in politics except when they affect the market. Candidate, bless you, they’re all candidates for a rich girl! There’s not one of ’em, young or old, but thinks ‘That girl will have a lot of money.’ Why, they tell me old Stanley--old enough to be her father--has been after Katie, old fool!” the old man said. Dr. Burnet felt himself a little out of countenance. He said, “I do not believe, sir, for a moment, that the Rector, if there is any truth in the rumour, was thinking of Miss Katherine’s money.”