eady possesses a pretty handsome dowry; but after the
noise made by that unfortunate adventurer, do you believe that so
brilliant a proposal as Mr. Rascal's will soon or easily be found? Do
you know what wealth he possesses? He has six million florins in landed
property in this country paid for in cash, free from all incumbrances. I
have the writings in hand. It was he who forestalled me always in the
best purchases. Besides this, he has in his portfolio bills of exchange
on Mr. Thomas Jones for above three millions and a half of florins."--"He
must have pilfered at a pretty rate."--"That's all nonsense. He has
hoarded wisely, where others foolishly squandered."--"But a man who has
worn a livery!"--"Folly! he has an irreproachable shadow!"--"You are
right, but--"

The man in the great coat laughed and looked full in my face. The door
opened, and Mina came out; she was supporting herself on her maid's arm;
silent tears were flowing over her pale and lovely cheeks. She sat down
in a chair placed for her under the lime-trees, and her father seated
himself beside her. He gently seized her hand, and while she wept still
more bitterly, addressed her in the gentlest accents.

"Thou art my best, my dearest child; thou wilt be prudent too; thou wilt
not grieve thy old father, who thinks only of making thee happy. I well
understand, my sweet girl, that this has sadly shaken thee; thou hast
wonderfully escaped from misery. Before the shameless cheat was
unveiled, thou lovedst that unworthy one most affectionately. I know it,
Mina, but I do not reproach thee. I, too, loved him, while I deemed him
to be a rich and noble man. But thou hast seen in what it ended. The
veriest vagabond has his own shadow; and shall my beloved, my only
daughter, be married to--Oh, no! thou thinkest of him no more. Listen,
my Mina: a lover addresses thee, who does not dread the sun; an
honourable man, who is no Count indeed, but who possesses ten millions,
ten times more than thou hast ever possessed; a man who will make my
beloved child happy. Do not oppose me; make no reply; be my good,
obedient daughter. Let thy affectionate father care for thee, and dry
thy tears. Promise me to give thy hand to Mr. Rascal; say, wilt thou
promise me?"

She answered with a dying voice, "I have no farther will nor wish on
earth; let my father's will be accomplished!" On this Mr. Rascal was
announced, and daringly joined the circle. Mina lay in a sw