'It is the twentieth of each month, I think.' Sir Felix looked very blank at hearing this, knowing that this present was the twenty-first of the month. 'But what does that signify? Do you want a little money?'
'Well, I do,' said Sir Felix. 'A lot of fellows owe me money, but it's so hard to get it.'
'That tells a story of gambling,' said Mr Melmotte. 'You think I'd give my girl to a gambler?'
'Nidderdale's in it quite as thick as I am.'
'Nidderdale has a settled property which neither he nor his father can destroy. But don't you be such a fool as to argue with me. You won't get anything by it. If you'll write that letter here now--'
'What;--to Marie?'
'No;--not to Marie at all; but to me. It need never be known to her. If you'll do that I'll stick to you and make a man of you. And if you want a couple of hundred pounds I'll give you a cheque for it before you leave the room. Mind, I can tell you this. On my word of honour as a gentleman, if my daughter were to marry you, she'd never have a single shilling. I should immediately make a will and leave all my property to St. George's Hospital. I have quite made up my mind about that.'
'And couldn't you manage that I should have the shares before the twentieth of next month?'
'I'll see about it. Perhaps I could let you have a few of my own. At any rate I won't see you short of money.'
The terms were enticing and the letter was of course written. Melmotte himself dictated the words, which were not romantic in their nature. The reader shall see the letter.
DEAR SIR, In consideration of the offers made by you to me, and on a clear understanding that such a marriage would be disagreeable to you and to the lady's mother, and would bring down a father's curse upon your daughter, I hereby declare and promise that I will not renew my suit to the young lady, which I hereby altogether renounce.
I am, Dear Sir, Your obedient servant, FELIX CARBURY.
AUGUSTUS MELMOTTE, Esq., Grosvenor Square.
The letter was dated 21st July, and bore the printed address of the offices of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway.
'You'll give me that cheque for £200, Mr Melmotte?' The financier hesitated for a moment, but did give the baronet the cheque as promised. 'And you'll see about letting me have those shares?'