'That's Didon's plan?'
'That's what she thinks best,--and she'll do it, if you'll give her £50 for herself, you know. The "Adriatic,"--that's a White Star boat, goes on Thursday week at noon. There's an early train that would take us down that morning. You had better go and sleep at Liverpool, and take no notice of us at all till we meet on board. We could be back in a month,--and then papa would be obliged to make the best of it.'
Sir Felix at once felt that it would be quite unnecessary for him to go to Herr Vossner or to any other male counsellor for advice as to the best means of carrying off his love. The young lady had it all at her fingers' ends,--even to the amount of the fee required by the female counsellor. But Thursday week was very near, and the whole thing was taking uncomfortably defined proportions. Where was he to get funds if he were to resolve that he would do this thing? He had been fool enough to intrust his ready money to Melmotte, and now he was told that when Melmotte got hold of ready money he was not apt to release it. And he had nothing to show;--no security that he could offer to Vossner. And then,--this idea of starting to New York with Melmotte's daughter immediately after he had written to Melmotte renouncing the girl, frightened him.
'There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood leads on to fortune.'
Sir Felix did not know these lines, but the lesson taught by them came home to him at this moment. Now was the tide in his affairs at which he might make himself, or utterly mar himself. 'It's deuced important,' he said at last with a groan.
'It's not more important for you than me,' said Marie.
'If you're wrong about the money, and he shouldn't come round, where should we be then?'
'Nothing venture, nothing have,' said the heiress.
'That's all very well; but one might venture everything and get nothing after all.'
'You'd get me,' said Marie with a pout.
'Yes;--and I'm awfully fond of you. Of course I should get you! But--'
'Very well then;--if that's your love, said Marie turning back from him.
Sir Felix gave a great sigh, and then announced his resolution. 'I'll venture it.'
'Oh, Felix, how grand it will be!'
'There's a great deal to do, you know. I don't know whether it can be Thursday week.' He was putting in the coward's plea for a reprieve.