se. I'll make an hour to see him in the City
to-morrow. I'm so pressed by business that I can hardly get away from
the House after twelve;--but, I'll do it. But, while I'm in Lombard
Street, do you go to Queen's Gate." The Captain after further
consideration said that he would go to Queen's Gate.

At three o'clock on the next day he did go to Queen's Gate. He had
many misgivings, feeling that by such a step he would be committing
himself to matrimony with or without the money. No doubt he could so
offer himself, even to Lady Tringle, as a son-in-law, that it should
be supposed that the offer would depend upon the father-in-law's
goodwill. But then the father-in-law had told him that he would be
welcome to the young lady,--without a farthing. Should he go on
with his matrimonial purpose, towards which this visit would be an
important step, he did not see the moment in which he could stop the
proceedings by a demand for money. Nevertheless he went, not being
strong enough to oppose Mr. Traffick.

Yes;--the ladies were at home, and he found himself at once in Lady
Tringle's presence. There was at the time no one with her, and the
Captain acknowledged to himself that a trying moment had come to him.
"Dear me! Captain Batsby!" said her ladyship, who had not seen him
since he and Gertrude had gone off together.

"Yes, Lady Tringle. As I have come back from abroad I thought that I
might as well come and call. I did see Sir Thomas in the City."

"Was not that a very foolish thing you did?"

"Perhaps it was, Lady Tringle. Perhaps it would have been better to
ask permission to address your daughter in the regular course of
things. There was, perhaps,--perhaps a little romance in going off in
that way."

"It gave Sir Thomas a deal of trouble."

"Well, yes; he was so quick upon us you know. May I be allowed to see
Gertrude now?"

"Upon my word I hardly know," said Lady Tringle, hesitating.

"I did see Sir Thomas in the City."

"But did he say you were to come and call?"

"He gave his consent to the marriage."

"But I am afraid there was to be no money," whispered Lady Tringle.
"If money is no matter I suppose you may see her." But before
the Captain had resolved how he might best answer this difficult
suggestion the door opened, and the young lady herself entered the
room, together with her sister.

"Benjamin," said Gertrude, "is this really you?" And then she flew
into his arms.

"My dear," said Augusta, "do con