"I think it proper for me to inform you, sir, that I have it in contemplation very shortly to enter into the married state." "So I hear," replied the old gentleman; "the more fool you. But if you want money, Miss Sampson has abundance. What else there is to recommend her, I can't say. Where do you intend to live? I suppose now you would be glad to go back to the Abbey. You may, if you like." "I feel myself greatly obliged, sir, by your kind offer; but I think that a smaller and less expensive house would be more suitable." "Ay, I think so too. I was a fool to build the house. I am only laughed at for my pains. Will you have Trimmerstone Hall fitted up for your reception? That will not be fine enough for you. Now, Mr. Philip, you know I am a strange old fellow, and rather addicted to the sin of curiosity; may I then take the liberty of asking how much the soap-boiler gives you to take his daughter. I mean how much does he place at your own actual immediate disposal. Is it a very great secret?" Philip had no objection to answer the question, but he was hesitating as to what could be the motive of the old gentleman in making the inquiry. He very much feared that his cousin was too well acquainted with the purpose to which that money was devoted; and when he had answered the question, he found that his suspicions were well-founded. Most seriously was he overwhelmed with confusion, when, after he had mentioned to his cousin the sum which was to be at his own absolute disposal, Mr. Martindale hastily said: "And pray, sir, how much of that is destined to go to the money-lenders to liquidate your gambling-debts?" Without waiting for an answer, the old gentleman continued: "Look ye here, young man; you have been playing the fool for some years past, and I believe I am almost as much to blame for it as yourself." Philip was beginning to say something, as it were, exculpatory; but the old gentleman stopped him, saying: "Have the goodness to hear me out. I was saying that you had been playing the fool, and that I was almost as much to blame as yourself; for if I had not invited you to Brigland, you would not perhaps have been exposed to so many temptations. Now, as I think I am to blame, I ought to pay my part. If, therefore, you will fairly state to me the whole of your debts without any reserve, they shall be immediately discharged, so that you may not deprive your wife that is to be, of her property; for you ought, in point of honor, to consider that property to be hers, though placed at your disposal. You are to manage the property for her advantage."