“For, although I am rich, and beyond all want,” said he, “I should not object to my daughter marrying the poorest youth in the country, provided he was honest, sober, industrious, of good family, and talented. No, indeed! money is farthest from my thoughts; yet, _still_, I should, of course, like to see Fanny fairly matched with her intended husband in that regard, and would rather see her marry a rich than a poor man—for money, after all, Mr. Redgill, is not to be despised.” For the third time Phillip had quieted Sir Andrew’s misgivings, and he visited Fanny, his wife, as before, regularly every evening; but, after profound consideration, the young couple decided not to disclose their _true_ relationship for a week or two. The “Racehorse” and “Eclipse” were frequently reported by fast-sailing ships to be on their way, “all well.” In truth, the captains of both vessels had written letters, stating how successfully their voyage had progressed, and what valuable cargoes they were bringing. The last letters were dated from Land’s End, where they had put in on account of wild and dangerous weather, and the captains said that but a few days would elapse ere they would be reported by the telegraph station at Holyhead or Gravesend. The insurance-office of which Sir Andrew was president was particularly pleased at this information. Sir Andrew was jubilant and in ecstasies. “I must manage to get rid of this young Phillip,” thought he. “_I_ know the state of his father’s affairs much better than he supposes. Ha! ha! he can’t blindfold _me_! _I_ know a thing or two! Men on ’Change, as I am daily, hear many very curious things within a few hours. “When the cargoes of these vessels are sold, and old Redgill’s debts are paid, there will not be much to spare, particularly when he pays me the fifteen thousand pounds he already owes me. “He wants to marry my daughter, does he? “What a smart youth he is, to be sure! “As if _I_ didn’t see his nice little game! “No, no, Mr. Phillip—_my_ daughter is destined for a _richer_ man than you are! “’Tis true, she likes him, and all that; but what’s _that_ to do with it? “Lord! she’ll soon get over all childishness when she learns the true state of things. “I’m mighty glad, though, that those two vessels are perfectly safe; if they were lost, it would be a very serious thing for _me_, and no mistake. “Never mind, I must take care not to take so heavy a risk next time, and then it will save an immense amount of anxiety. “Heigho! well, this is a curious world. I will dismiss Phillip, and take Fanny to the continent out of the way. We’ll have a gay time there, and she’ll soon forget that young schemer, Phillip. “I wish those vessels were arrived, the cargoes sold, and my money paid in, and then—” “Letter, sir,” said the servant, handing in a note, and retiring.