ect of their
compassion and their care from his earliest years. He (and his younger
brothers) had almost filled the places to them of those other children
of their own whom they had lost. Although they firmly believed their
good opinion of Frank to be well founded--still, in the interest of
their daughter's happiness, it was necessary to put that opinion firmly
to the proof, by fixing certain conditions, and by interposing a year of
delay between the contemplated marriage and the present time.

During that year, Frank was to remain at the office in London; his
employers being informed beforehand that family circumstances prevented
his accepting their offer of employment in China. He was to consider
this concession as a recognition of the attachment between Magdalen and
himself, on certain terms only. If, during the year of probation, he
failed to justify the confidence placed in him--a confidence which
had led Mr. Vanstone to take unreservedly upon himself the whole
responsibility of Frank's future prospects--the marriage scheme was to
be considered, from that moment, as at an end. If, on the other hand,
the result to which Mr. Vanstone confidently looked forward really
occurred--if Frank's probationary year proved his claim to the most
precious trust that could be placed in his hands--then Magdalen herself
should reward him with all that a woman can bestow; and the future,
which his present employers had placed before him as the result of a
five years' residence in China, should be realized in one year's time,
by the dowry of his young wife.

As her father drew that picture of the future, the outburst of
Magdalen's gratitude could no longer be restrained. She was deeply
touched--she spoke from her inmost heart. Mr. Vanstone waited until his
daughter and his wife were composed again; and then added the last words
of explanation which were now left for him to speak.

"You understand, my love," he said, "that I am not anticipating Frank's
living in idleness on his wife's means? My plan for him is that he
should still profit by the interest which his present employers take
in him. Their knowledge of affairs in the City will soon place a good
partnership at his disposal, and you will give him the money to buy it
out of hand. I shall limit the sum, my dear, to half your fortune; and
the other half I shall have settled upon yourself. We shall all be alive
and hearty, I hope"--he looked tenderly at his wife as he said those