know our man," said the lawyer. "He shall have the
money, Mr Grey," and so the interview had been ended.

Mr Vavasor, when he entered the drawing-room, addressed his daughter
in a cheery voice. "What; all in the dark?"

"Yes, papa. Why should I have candles when I am doing nothing? I did
not expect you."

"No; I suppose not. I came here because I want to say a few words to
you about business."

"What business, papa?" Alice well understood the tone of her father's
voice. He was desirous of propitiating her; but was at the same time
desirous of carrying some point in which he thought it probable that
she would oppose him.

"Well; my love, if I understood you rightly, your cousin George wants
some money."

"I did not say that he wants it now; but I think he will want it
before the time for the election comes."

"If so, he will want it at once. He has not asked you for it yet?"

"No; he has merely said that should he be in need he would take me at
my word."

"I think there is no doubt that he wants it. Indeed, I believe that
he is almost entirely without present means of his own."

"I can hardly think so; but I have no knowledge about it. I can only
say that he has not asked me yet, and that I should wish to oblige
him whenever he may do so."

"To what extent, Alice?"

"I don't know what I have. I get about four hundred a year, but I
do not know what it is worth, or how far it can all be turned into
money. I should wish to keep a hundred a year and let him have the
rest."

"What; eight thousand pounds!" said the father who in spite of his
wish not to oppose her, could not but express his dismay.

"I do not imagine that he will want so much; but if he should, I wish
that he should have it."

"Heaven and earth!" said John Vavasor. "Of course we should have to
give up the house." He could not suppress his trouble, or refrain
from bursting out in agony at the prospect of such a loss.

"But he has asked me for nothing yet, papa."

"No, exactly; and perhaps he may not; but I wish to know what to do
when the demand is made. I am not going to oppose you now; your money
is your own, and you have a right to do with it as you please;--but
would you gratify me in one thing?"

"What is it, papa?"

"When he does apply, let the amount be raised through me?"

"How through you?"

"Come to me; I mean, so that I may see the lawyer, and have the
arrangements made." Then he explained to her that in dealing with
lar