“And I promised him that I would lend him the money.” “Promised! Beauclerc? Without your guardian’s knowledge? Pray, how much--” “Confound me, if I remember the words. The sense was, what would do the business; what would make the house fit for him and his sisters to live in.” “Ten thousand!--fifteen thousand would not do.” “Well, sir. You know what will be necessary better than I do. A few thousands more or less, what signifies, provided a friend be well served. The superfluous money accumulated during my long minority cannot be better employed.” “All that I have been saving for you with such care from the time your father died!” “My dear guardian, my dear friend, do not think me ungrateful; but the fact is,--in short, my happiness does not depend, never can depend, upon money; as my friend, therefore, I beseech you to consider my moneyed interest less, and my happiness more.” “Beauclerc, you do not know what your happiness is. One hour you tell me it is one thing, the next another. What is become of the plan for the new house you wanted to build for yourself? I must have common sense for you, Beauclerc, as you have none for yourself. I shall not give you this money for Lord Beltravers.” “You forget sir, that I told you I had promised.” “You forget, Beauclerc, that I told you that such a promise, vague and absurd in itself, made without your guardian’s concurrence or consent, is absolutely null and void.” “Null and void in law, perhaps it may be,” cried Beauclerc; “but for that very reason, in honour, the stronger the more binding, and I am speaking to a man of honour.” “To one who can take care of his own honour,” said the general. “And of mine, I trust.” “You do well to trust it, as your father did, to me: it shall not be implicated--” “When once I am of age,” interrupted Beauclerc. “You will do as you please,” said the general. “In the mean time I shall do my duty.” “But, sir, I only ask you to let me _lend_ this money.” “Lend--nonsense! lend to a man who cannot give any security.” “Security!” said Beauclerc, with a look of unutterable contempt. “When a friend is in distress, to talk to him like an attorney, of security! Do, pray, sir, spare me that. I would rather give the money at once.” “I make no doubt of it; then at once I say No, sir.” “No, sir! and why do you say no?” “Because I think it my duty, and nothing I have heard has at all shaken my opinion.” “Opinion! and so I am to be put down by opinion, without any reason!” cried Beauclerc. Then trying to command his temper, “But tell me, my dear general, why I cannot have this cursed money?” “Because, my dear Beauclerc, I am your guardian, and can say _no_, and can adhere to a refusal as firmly as any man living, when it is necessary.” “Yes, and when it is unnecessary. General Clarendon, according to your own estimate, fifteen thousand pounds is the utmost sum requisite to put this house in a habitable state--by that sum I abide!” “Abide!”