The old gentleman’s demeanour was so solemn and forbidding as he entered the apartment that Phillip imagined his marriage had become known to him. “Mr. Redgill, is it true what I’ve heard, sir, that your very worthy parent died insolvent? Really, sir, I cannot believe it, but such are the rumours, and painful ones they are. Of course, you are aware, sir, that I allowed you to visit my daughter supposing you to be a member of society, who, in the event of marriage—an event, I know, happily yet far distant, and farthest from the thoughts of both—would be able to keep her in the style to which she has hitherto been used all her life. Of _course_, I could not think for one moment of allowing a _penniless_ young man to make any serious advances towards one of mine.” Phillip scouted the idea that his father had died insolvent, and re-assured Sir Andrew. “For,” said he, “if my father really _does_ stand insolvent, as his books might seem, and as rumours would have it, you are, of course, aware that his ships, when they arrive, would fully liquidate all claims of his creditors, and leave a very handsome surplus. In fact, you are aware, sir, that commercial communities think so highly of his transactions that even the insurance company, of which you are the president and greatest shareholder, have insured them for not less than £500,000.” This latter argument was potent, and fully re-assured the misgivings of old Sir Andrew, who ordered in wine, and explained many matters to the young man of which he was not before fully aware. Among the items of information thus gleaned in confidential conversation, after drinking much wine, it appeared that Sir Andrew’s insurance company was not so responsible and respectable as its “advertised” capital would lead the reading public to believe; for, in truth, Sir Andrew confessed, that should any serious loss fall upon it he could not honestly meet it, and that it might occasion a sudden collapse of the whole concern. “Not that _I_ should suffer so materially,” added Sir Andrew, with a knowing wink, “for I have all my private funds deposited with the ‘South Sea Bank’ unknown to any one, and in another party’s name, so that whatever might befall the insurance company I am all right and safe from personal danger.” A few days subsequent to this conversation the executors returned a balance sheet, illustrative of the deceased Mr. Redgill’s affairs. And it appeared, to the astonishment of every one, except those in the secret, that the late much-respected merchant really was insolvent, and owed his creditors much more than any would ever have anticipated. If the “Racehorse” and “Eclipse” should arrive all claims could be satisfactorily adjusted; even if the ships were lost, and the insurance paid, this end might be accomplished; but without it the liabilities stood £200,000 beyond all assets, the chief debtor being the Jew Moss, for not less a sum than £50,000!