hich might thus be
transferred with Marie, though it fell short of that which had been
promised, might suffice for the time; and he had already given proof
to the Marquis's lawyer that his daughter was possessed of the
property in question.

And indeed, there was another complication which had arisen within the
last few days and which had startled Mr Melmotte very much indeed. On
a certain morning he had sent for Marie to the study and had told her
that he should require her signature in reference to a deed. She had
asked him what deed. He had replied that it would be a document
regarding money and reminded her that she had signed such a deed once
before, telling her that it was all in the way of business. It was not
necessary that she should ask any more questions as she would be
wanted only to sign the paper. Then Marie astounded him, not merely by
showing him that she understood a great deal more of the transaction
than he had thought,--but also by a positive refusal to sign anything at
all. The reader may understand that there had been many words between
them. 'I know, papa. It is that you may have the money to do what you
like with. You have been so unkind to me about Sir Felix Carbury that
I won't do it. If I ever marry the money will belong to my husband!'
His breath almost failed him as he listened to these words. He did not
know whether to approach her with threats, with entreaties, or with
blows. Before the interview was over he had tried all three. He had
told her that he could and would put her in prison for conduct so
fraudulent. He besought her not to ruin her parent by such monstrous
perversity. And at last he took her by both arms and shook her
violently. But Marie was quite firm. He might cut her to pieces; but
she would sign nothing. 'I suppose you thought Sir Felix would have
had the entire sum,' said the father with deriding scorn.

'And he would;--if he had the spirit to take it,' answered Marie.

This was another reason for sticking to the Nidderdale plan. He would
no doubt lose the immediate income, but in doing so he would secure
the Marquis. He was therefore induced, on weighing in his
nicest-balanced scales the advantages and disadvantages, to leave the
Longestaffes unpaid and to let Nidderdale have the money. Not that he
could make up his mind to such a course with any conviction that he
was doing the best for himself. The dangers on all sides were very
great! But at the present moment auda