The position described was so nearly her own, that he could say nothing to this.


She had so spoken on purpose,--fighting her own battle after her own fashion, knowing well that her words would confuse him.

She spoke knowing that her words would confuse him.

Chapter 27: Mrs. Hurtle Goes to the Play


She may be found crying because she is unable to hide them;--but she does not willingly let the other woman see them.

She may be found crying because she is unable to hide them; but she does not let the other woman see them.


"Medea did not weep when she was introduced to Creusa."


"There's a dash of the savage princess about most of them.


And I have had no nosegay brought in a wheelbarrow to throw on to the stage.


I'm not a bit afraid of a London cab by myself."

I'm not afraid of a London cab by myself."


But of course he accompanied her to Islington.


He owed her at any rate as much as that.


She continued to talk during the whole journey.


What a wonderful place London was,--so immense, but so dirty!

of what a wonderful place London was - so immense, but so dirty!


New York of course was not so big, but was, she thought, pleasanter.


But Paris was the gem of gems among towns.


She did not like Frenchmen, and she liked Englishmen even better than Americans; but she fancied that she could never like English women.

She did not like Frenchmen, and she liked Englishmen; but she fancied that she could never like English women.


I like good conduct, and law, and religion too if it be not forced down one's throat; but I hate what your women call propriety.

"I like good conduct, but I hate what your women call propriety.


I suppose what we have been doing to-night is very improper; but I am quite sure that it has not been in the least wicked."

I suppose what we have been doing tonight is very improper; but I am quite sure that it has not been in the least wicked."


"I don't think it has," said Paul Montague very tamely.


It is a long way from the Haymarket to Islington, but at last the cab reached the lodging-house door.

At last the cab reached the lodging-house door.


"Even about the houses there is an air of stiff-necked propriety which frightens me."


She was getting out as she spoke, and he had already knocked at the door.


"Come in for one moment," she said as he paid the cabman.


The woman the while was standing with the door in her hand.

The lodging-house woman was standing with the door in her hand.


It was near midnight,--but, when people are engaged, hours do not matter.

It was near midnight, but, when people are engaged, hours do not matter.


The woman of the house, who was respectability herself,--a nice kind widow, with five children, named Pipkin,--understood that and smiled again as he followed the lady into the sitting-room.

The woman of the house - who was a nice, respectable widow, with five children, named Mrs. Pipkin - smiled again as he followed Mrs. Hurtle into her sitting-room.


She had already taken off her hat and was flinging it on to the sofa as he entered.


"Shut the door for one moment," she said; and he shut it.


Then she threw herself into his arms, not kissing him but looking up into his face.


I will not bear to be separated from you.


There is nothing I cannot do for love of you,--but to lose you."

there is nothing I cannot do for love of you - but to lose you."


Then she pushed him from her and looked away from him, clasping her hands together.

Then she pushed him from her and clasped her hands together.


"But Paul, I mean to keep my pledge to you to-night.

"But Paul, I mean to keep my pledge to you tonight.


It was to be an island in our troubles, a little holiday in our hard school-time, and I will not destroy it at its close.

It was to be an island in our troubles, a little holiday in our hard school-time, and I will not destroy it.


You will see me again soon,--will you not?"

You will see me again soon - will you not?"


He nodded assent, then took her in his arms and kissed her, and left her without a word.


On Friday, the 21st June, the Board of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway sat in its own room behind the Exchange, as was the Board's custom every Friday.

On Friday 21st June, the Board of the Railway sat, as it did every Friday.


On this occasion all the members were there, as it had been understood that the chairman was to make a special statement.

All the members were there, as it had been understood that the chairman was to make a special statement.


There was the great chairman as a matter of course.


In the midst of his numerous and immense concerns he never threw over the railway, or delegated to other less experienced hands those cares which the commercial world had intrusted to his own.


Lord Alfred was there, with Mr. Cohenlupe, the Hebrew gentleman, and Paul Montague, and Lord Nidderdale,--and even Sir Felix Carbury.


Sir Felix had come, being very anxious to buy and sell, and not as yet having had an opportunity of realising his golden hopes, although he had actually paid a thousand pounds in hard money into Mr. Melmotte's hands.

Even Sir Felix had come, being very anxious to buy and sell, and not as yet having had an opportunity of realising his golden hopes, although he had paid Mr. Melmotte a thousand pounds.


The secretary, Mr. Miles Grendall, was also present as a matter of course.


The Board always met at three, and had generally been dissolved at a quarter past three.

The Board always met at three, and had generally been dissolved at a quarter past.


Lord Alfred and Mr. Cohenlupe sat at the chairman's right and left hand.

Lord Alfred and Mr. Cohenlupe sat next to Mr. Melmotte.


Paul Montague generally sat immediately below, with Miles Grendall opposite to him;--but on this occasion the young lord and the young baronet took the next places.

Paul Montague usually sat immediately below, with Miles Grendall opposite him; but on this occasion Lord Nidderdale and Carbury took these places.


It was a nice little family party, the great chairman with his two aspiring sons-in-law, his two particular friends,--the social friend, Lord Alfred, and the commercial friend Mr. Cohenlupe,--and Miles, who was Lord Alfred's son.


It would have been complete in its friendliness, but for Paul Montague, who had lately made himself disagreeable to Mr. Melmotte;--and most ungratefully so, for certainly no one had been allowed so free a use of the shares as the younger member of the house of Fisker, Montague, and Montague.


It was understood that Mr. Melmotte was to make a statement.


Lord Nidderdale and Sir Felix had conceived that this was to be done as it were out of the great man's own heart, of his own wish, so that something of the condition of the company might be made known to the directors of the company.


But this was not perhaps exactly the truth.


Paul Montague had insisted on giving vent to certain doubts at the last meeting but one, and, having made himself very disagreeable indeed, had forced this trouble on the great chairman.

Montague was out of favour, having insisted on giving vent to certain doubts at the last meeting but one, and making himself very disagreeable to the great chairman.


On the intermediate Friday the chairman had made himself very unpleasant to Paul, and this had seemed to be an effort on his part to frighten the inimical director out of his opposition, so that the promise of a statement need not be fulfilled.


What nuisance can be so great to a man busied with immense affairs, as to have to explain,--or to attempt to explain,--small details to men incapable of understanding them?

What nuisance can be so great to a man busied with immense affairs, as to have to explain small details to men incapable of understanding them?


He had not intended, he said, to dispute the commercial success of the company.


But he felt very strongly, and he thought that his brother directors should feel as strongly, that it was necessary that they should know more than they did know.

He felt very strongly, he said, that the directors needed to know more than they did know.


Lord Alfred had declared that he did not in the least agree with his brother director.

Lord Alfred had declared that he did not agree.


"If anybody don't understand, it's his own fault," said Mr. Cohenlupe.


But Paul would not give way, and it was understood that Mr. Melmotte would make a statement.

But Paul would not give way, and it was understood that Mr. Melmotte would therefore make a statement.


The "Boards" were always commenced by the reading of a certain record of the last meeting out of a book.

The "Boards" always began with the reading of a record of the last meeting.


This was always done by Miles Grendall; and the record was supposed to have been written by him.

This was done by Miles Grendall; and the record was supposed to have been written by him.


But Montague had discovered that this statement in the book was always prepared and written by a satellite of Melmotte's from Abchurch Lane who was never present at the meeting.

But Montague had discovered that the statement was written by a satellite of Melmotte's from Abchurch Lane, who was not at the meeting.


The adverse director had spoken to the secretary,--it will be remembered that they were both members of the Beargarden,--and Miles had given a somewhat evasive reply.

When he asked Miles about this, Miles had given a somewhat evasive reply.


"A cussed deal of trouble and all that, you know!


He's used to it, and it's what he's meant for.


I'm not going to flurry myself about stuff of that kind."


Montague after this had spoken on the subject both to Nidderdale and Felix Carbury.

So Montague had spoken on the subject both to Nidderdale and Felix Carbury.


"He couldn't do it, if it was ever so," Nidderdale had said.

"He couldn't do it," Nidderdale had said.


"I don't think I'd bully him if I were you.


He gets 500 a-year, and if you knew all he owes, and all he hasn't got, you wouldn't try to rob him of it."


With Felix Carbury Montague had as little success.

With Felix Carbury, Montague had as little success.


Sir Felix hated the secretary, had detected him cheating at cards, had resolved to expose him,--and had then been afraid to do so.

Sir Felix hated Miles Grendall, had detected him cheating at cards, had resolved to expose him - and had then been afraid to do so.


He had told Dolly Longestaffe, and the reader will perhaps remember with what effect.


He had not mentioned the affair again, and had gradually fallen back into the habit of playing at the club.


Loo, however, had given way to whist, and Sir Felix had satisfied himself with the change.

, since they were now playing whist instead of loo.


He still meditated some dreadful punishment for Miles Grendall, but, in the meantime, felt himself unable to oppose him at the Board.


Since the day at which the aces had been manipulated at the club he had not spoken to Miles Grendall except in reference to the affairs of the whist-table.


Miles read the short record out of the book,--stumbling over every other word, and going through the performance so badly that had there been anything to understand no one could have understood it.

: Miles read the short record out of the book, stumbling over every other word, so that if there had been anything to understand no one could have understood it.


"Gentlemen," said Mr. Melmotte, in his usual hurried way, "is it your pleasure that I shall sign the record?"

"Gentlemen," said Mr. Melmotte, in his usual hurried way, "shall I sign the record?"


Paul Montague rose to say that it was not his pleasure that the record should be signed.


But Melmotte had made his scrawl, and was deep in conversation with Mr. Cohenlupe before Paul could get upon his legs.

object; but Melmotte had made his scrawl, and was already deep in conversation with Mr. Cohenlupe.


Melmotte, however, had watched the little struggle.


Melmotte, whatever might be his faults, had eyes to see and ears to hear.


He perceived that Montague had made a little struggle and had been cowed; and he knew how hard it is for one man to persevere against five or six, and for a young man to persevere against his elders.

He perceived that Montague had made a little struggle and had been cowed; and he knew how hard it is for one man to persevere against five or six.


Nidderdale was filliping bits of paper across the table at Carbury.


Miles Grendall was poring over the book which was in his charge.


Lord Alfred sat back in his chair, the picture of a model director, with his right hand within his waistcoat.


He looked aristocratic, respectable, and almost commercial.


In that room he never by any chance opened his mouth, except when called on to say that Mr. Melmotte was right, and was considered by the chairman really to earn his money.


Melmotte for a minute or two went on conversing with Cohenlupe, having perceived that Montague for the moment was cowed.

The other men were unconcerned, so Melmotte went on talking to Cohenlupe.


Then Paul put both his hands upon the table, intending to rise and ask some perplexing question.


Melmotte saw this also and was upon his legs before Montague had risen from his chair.

Melmotte saw this also and was upon his legs first.


"Gentlemen," said Mr. Melmotte, "it may perhaps be as well if I take this occasion of saying a few words to you about the affairs of the company."


Then, instead of going on with his statement, he sat down again, and began to turn over sundry voluminous papers very slowly, whispering a word or two every now and then to Mr. Cohenlupe.

Then, instead of going on with his statement, he sat down again, and began to turn over some voluminous papers very slowly, whispering a word or two every now and then to Mr. Cohenlupe.


Lord Alfred never changed his posture and never took his hand from his breast.


Nidderdale and Carbury filliped their paper pellets backwards and forwards.


Montague sat profoundly listening,--or ready to listen when anything should be said.


As the chairman had risen from his chair to commence his statement, Paul felt that he was bound to be silent.


When a speaker is in possession of the floor, he is in possession even though he be somewhat dilatory in looking to his references, and whispering to his neighbour.


And, when that speaker is a chairman, of course some additional latitude must be allowed to him.


Montague understood this, and sat silent.


It seemed that Melmotte had much to say to Cohenlupe, and Cohenlupe much to say to Melmotte.


Since Cohenlupe had sat at the Board he had never before developed such powers of conversation.

Cohenlupe had never before shown such powers of conversation.


He had been there twenty minutes, was tired of his present amusement, having been unable to hit Carbury on the nose, and suddenly remembered that the Beargarden would now be open.

He had been there twenty minutes, and suddenly remembered that the Beargarden would now be open.


He was no respecter of persons, and had got over any little feeling of awe with which the big table and the solemnity of the room may have first inspired him.


"I suppose that's about all," he said, looking up at Melmotte.

"I suppose that's about all," he said, looking at Melmotte.


"Well;--perhaps as your lordship is in a hurry, and as my lord here is engaged elsewhere,"--turning round to Lord Alfred, who had not uttered a syllable or made a sign since he had been in his seat,--"we had better adjourn this meeting for another week."

"Well, perhaps as your lordship is in a hurry, and as my lord here is engaged elsewhere," - turning round to Lord Alfred, who had not uttered a syllable - "we had better adjourn this meeting for another week."


"I cannot allow that," said Paul Montague.


"I suppose then we must take the sense of the Board," said the Chairman.


"I have been discussing certain circumstances with our friend and Chairman," said Cohenlupe, "and I must say that it is not expedient just at present to go into matters too freely."

"I have been discussing certain circumstances with our Chairman," said Cohenlupe, "and I must say that it is not expedient just at present to go into matters too freely."


"My lords and gentlemen," said Melmotte.


Lord Alfred bowed down to the table and muttered something which was intended to convey most absolute confidence.

Lord Alfred, bowing, muttered something about absolute confidence.


"All right," said Lord Nidderdale; "go on;" and he fired another pellet with improved success.


"I trust," said the Chairman, "that my young friend, Sir Felix, doubts neither my discretion nor my ability."


"Oh dear, no;--not at all," said the baronet, much flattered at being addressed in this kindly tone.

"Oh dear, no, not at all," said the baronet, much flattered


He had come there with objects of his own, and was quite prepared to support the Chairman on any matter whatever.

, and quite prepared to support the Chairman on any matter whatever.


"My Lords and Gentlemen," continued Melmotte, "I am delighted to receive this expression of your confidence.


If I know anything in the world I know something of commercial matters.


I am able to tell you that we are prospering.


I do not know that greater prosperity has ever been achieved in a shorter time by a commercial company.


I think our friend here, Mr. Montague, should be as feelingly aware of that as any gentleman."

I think our friend here, Mr. Montague, should be as aware of that as any gentleman."


"What do you mean by that, Mr. Melmotte?"


"What do I mean?--Certainly nothing adverse to your character, sir.


Your firm in San Francisco, sir, know very well how the affairs of the Company are being transacted on this side of the water.

"Your firm in San Francisco, sir, know very well how the affairs of the Company are being transacted here.


No doubt you are in correspondence with Mr. Fisker.


The telegraph wires are open to you, sir.


But, my Lords and Gentlemen, I am able to inform you that in affairs of this nature great discretion is necessary.

But, my Lords and Gentlemen, in affairs of this nature great discretion is necessary.


On behalf of the shareholders at large whose interests are in our hands, I think it expedient that any general statement should be postponed for a short time, and I flatter myself that in that opinion I shall carry the majority of this Board with me."

On behalf of our shareholders, I think it expedient that any general statement should be postponed for a short time, and I flatter myself that in that opinion I shall carry the majority of this Board with me.


Mr. Melmotte did not make his speech very fluently; but, being accustomed to the place which he occupied, he did manage to get the words spoken in such a way as to make them intelligible to the company.


"I now move that this meeting be adjourned to this day week," he added.

I now move that this meeting be adjourned to this day week."


"I second that motion," said Lord Alfred, without moving his hand from his breast.

"I second that motion," said Lord Alfred.


"I understood that we were to have a statement," said Montague.


"You've had a statement," said Mr. Cohenlupe.


"I will put my motion to the vote," said the Chairman.


"I shall move an amendment," said Paul, determined that he would not be altogether silenced.

"I shall move an amendment," said Paul, determined not to be silenced.


"There is nobody to second it," said Mr. Cohenlupe.


"I shall ask Lord Nidderdale to second it, and when he has heard it I think that he will not refuse."

I shall ask Lord Nidderdale to second it."


"At any rate I claim the right of saying a few words.

"At any rate I claim the right of saying a few words," continued Paul.


I do not say whether every affair of this Company should or should not be published to the world."


"You'd break up everything if you did," said Cohenlupe.


"Perhaps everything ought to be broken up.


That as we sit here as directors and will be held to be responsible as such by the public, we ought to know what is being done.

"As we sit here as directors and will be held responsible as such by the public, we ought to know what is being done.


We ought to know where the shares really are.


I for one do not even know what scrip has been issued."


"You've bought and sold enough to know something about it," said Melmotte.


Paul Montague became very red in the face.


"I, at any rate, began," he said, "by putting what was to me a large sum of money into the affair."

"I began," he said, "by putting what was to me a large sum of money into the affair."


"That's more than I know," said Melmotte.


"Whatever shares you have, were issued at San Francisco, and not here."


"I have taken nothing that I haven't paid for," said Montague.


"Nor have I yet had allotted to me anything like the number of shares which my capital would represent.


But I did not intend to speak of my own concerns."


"It looks very like it," said Cohenlupe.


"So far from it that I am prepared to risk the not improbable loss of everything I have in the world.

"So far from it that I am prepared to risk the loss of everything I have in the world.


I am determined to know what is being done with the shares, or to make it public to the world at large that I, one of the directors of the Company, do not in truth know anything about it.

I am determined to know what is being done with the shares, or to tell the world at large that I, one of the directors, do not in truth know anything about it.


I cannot, I suppose, absolve myself from further responsibility; but I can at any rate do what is right from this time forward,--and that course I intend to take."


"The gentleman had better resign his seat at this Board," said Melmotte.


"There will be no difficulty about that."


"Bound up as I am with Fisker and Montague in California I fear that there will be difficulty."


"Not in the least," continued the Chairman.


"You need only gazette your resignation and the thing is done.

"You need only give your resignation and the thing is done.


I had intended, gentlemen, to propose an addition to our number.


When I name to you a gentleman, personally known to many of you, and generally esteemed throughout England as a man of business, as a man of probity, and as a man of fortune, a man standing deservedly high in all British circles, I mean Mr. Longestaffe of Caversham--"

When I name to you a gentleman, personally known to many of you, and esteemed as a man of business, probity, and fortune - I mean Mr. Longestaffe of Caversham-"


"I mean Mr. Adolphus Longestaffe, senior, of Caversham.

"I mean Mr. Adolphus Longestaffe, senior.


I am sure that you will all be glad to welcome him among you.


I had thought to strengthen our number by this addition.


But if Mr. Montague is determined to leave us,--and no one will regret the loss of his services so much as I shall,--it will be my pleasing duty to move that Adolphus Longestaffe, senior, Esquire, of Caversham, be requested to take his place.

But if Mr. Montague is determined to leave us, it will be my pleasing duty to move that Adolphus Longestaffe Esquire should take his place.


If on reconsideration Mr. Montague shall determine to remain with us,--and I for one most sincerely hope that such reconsideration may lead to such determination,--then I shall move that an additional director be added to our number, and that Mr. Longestaffe be requested to take the chair of that additional director."

If on reconsideration Mr. Montague shall determine to remain with us - and I sincerely hope that he will - then I shall move that Mr. Longstaffe be added to our number as an additional director."


The latter speech Mr. Melmotte got through very glibly, and then immediately left the chair, so as to show that the business of the Board was closed for that day without any possibility of reopening it.

Mr. Melmotte immediately left the chair, so as to show that the business of the Board was closed for that day.


Paul went up to him and took him by the sleeve, signifying that he wished to speak to him before they parted.

Paul went up to him and took him by the sleeve, signifying that he wished to speak before they parted.


"Certainly," said the great man, bowing.


"Carbury," he said, looking round on the young baronet with his blandest smile, "if you are not in a hurry, wait a moment for me.


I have a word or two to say before you go.


Now, Mr. Montague, what can I do for you?"


Paul began his story, expressing again the opinion which he had already very plainly expressed at the table.

Paul began to express again the opinion which he had already expressed at the table.


But Melmotte stopped him very shortly, and with much less courtesy than he had shown in the speech which he had made from the chair.

But Melmotte stopped him with less courtesy than before.


"The thing is about this way, I take it, Mr. Montague;--you think you know more of this matter than I do."

"The thing is, Mr. Montague - you think you know more of this matter than I do."


"And I think that I know more of it than you do.


But as I don't intend to give way to you, perhaps the less we speak together about it the better.


You can't be in earnest in the threat you made, because you would be making public things communicated to you under the seal of privacy,--and no gentleman would do that.


But as long as you are hostile to me, I can't help you;--and so good afternoon."

As long as you are hostile to me, I can't help you; and so good afternoon."


Then, without giving Montague the possibility of a reply, he escaped into an inner room which had the word "Private" painted on the door, and which was supposed to belong to the chairman individually.

Then, without giving Montague the possibility of a reply, he escaped into an inner room and shut the door behind him.


He shut the door behind him, and then, after a few moments, put out his head and beckoned to Sir Felix Carbury.

After a few moments, he put out his head and beckoned to Sir Felix Carbury.


Lord Alfred with his son were already on the stairs.


Cohenlupe was engaged with Melmotte's clerk on the record-book.


Paul Montague finding himself without support and alone, slowly made his way out into the court.

Paul Montague slowly made his way out into the courtyard.


Sir Felix had come into the city intending to suggest to the Chairman that having paid his thousand pounds he should like to have a few shares to go on with.

Sir Felix had come intending to suggest to the Chairman that having paid his thousand pounds he should like to have a few shares to go on with.


He was, indeed, at the present moment very nearly penniless, and had negotiated, or lost at cards, all the I.O.U.

He was very nearly penniless, and had negotiated, or lost at cards, all the I.O.U.


's which were in any degree serviceable.


He still had a pocket-book full of those issued by Miles Grendall; but it was now an understood thing at the Beargarden that no one was to be called upon to take them except Miles Grendall himself;--an arrangement which robbed the card-table of much of its delight.

He still had a pocket-book full of those issued by Miles Grendall; but it was now understood at the Beargarden that no one was to be called upon to take them except Miles himself.


Beyond this, also, he had lately been forced to issue a little paper himself,--in doing which he had talked largely of his shares in the railway.

Beyond this, Felix had lately been forced to issue an I.O.U. or two himself.


He had actually paid a thousand pounds down in hard cash, a commercial transaction which, as performed by himself, he regarded as stupendous.

He had paid a thousand pounds down in hard cash,


It was almost incredible to himself that he should have paid any one a thousand pounds, but he had done it with much difficulty,--having carried Dolly junior with him all the way into the city,--in the belief that he would thus put himself in the way of making a continual and unfailing income.

in the belief that he would thus put himself in the way of making a continual income.


He understood that as a director he would be always entitled to buy shares at par, and, as a matter of course, always able to sell them at the market price.

He understood that as a director he would be always entitled to buy shares at par, and be able to sell them at the market price


This he understood to range from ten to fifteen and twenty per cent.

- giving him from ten to twenty per cent


He would have nothing to do but to buy and sell daily.

He would have nothing to do but to buy and sell.


He was told that Lord Alfred was allowed to do it to a small extent; and that Melmotte was doing it to an enormous extent.


But before he could do it he must get something,--he hardly knew what,--out of Melmotte's hands.

But before he could do it he must get something - he hardly knew what - out of Melmotte's hands.


Melmotte certainly did not seem disposed to shun him, and therefore there could be no difficulty about the shares.

Melmotte certainly did not seem to shun him, and therefore there could be no danger about the shares.


As to danger;--who could think of danger in reference to money intrusted to the hands of Augustus Melmotte?


"I am delighted to see you here," said Melmotte, shaking him cordially by the hand.


"You come regularly, and you'll find that it will be worth your while.


"There's nothing like attending to business.


"And let me see you sometimes up at my place in Abchurch Lane.

"And let me see you sometimes at my place in Abchurch Lane.


I can put you more in the way of understanding things there than I can here.


This is all a mere formal sort of thing.


"We are obliged to have this kind of thing for men like that fellow Montague.


He is a friend of a cousin of mine; and the women know him at home.


He isn't a pal of mine if you mean that."


"If he makes himself disagreeable, he'll have to go to the wall;--that's all.

"If he makes himself disagreeable, he'll have to go.


Was your mother speaking to you of what I said to her?"

Did your mother tell you what I said to her?"


"No, Mr. Melmotte," said Sir Felix, staring with all his eyes.

"No, Mr. Melmotte," said Sir Felix, staring.


"I was talking to her about you, and I thought that perhaps she might have told you.


This is all nonsense, you know, about you and Marie."


But there had suddenly come upon his brow that heavy look of a determined purpose which all who knew the man were wont to mark.

But there had suddenly come into it a heavy look of determined purpose.


Sir Felix had observed it a few minutes since in the Board-room, when the chairman was putting down the rebellious director.


"You understand that; don't you?" continued Melmotte.


Sir Felix still looked at him, but made no reply.


You haven't got a brass farthing, you know.


You've no income at all; you're just living on your mother, and I'm afraid she's not very well off.

You're just living on your mother, and she's not well off.


How can you suppose that I shall give my girl to you?"


Felix still looked at him but did not dare to contradict a single statement made.


Yet when the man told him that he had not a brass farthing he thought of his own thousand pounds which were now in the man's pocket.

Yet when the man told him that he had not a brass farthing he thought of his thousand pounds which were now in the man's pocket.


"You're a baronet, and that's about all, you know," continued Melmotte.

"You're a baronet, and that's about all," said Melmotte.


"The Carbury property, which is a very small thing, belongs to a distant cousin who may leave it to me if he pleases;--and who isn't very much older than you are yourself."

"The Carbury property, which is a very small thing, belongs to a distant cousin who may leave it however he pleases; and who isn't much older than you are yourself."


"Oh, come, Mr. Melmotte; he's a great deal older than me."


"It wouldn't matter if he were as old as Adam.


The thing is out of the question, and you must drop it."


Then the look on his brow became a little heavier.


She was engaged to him before you ever saw her.


Sir Felix had not the courage to say that he expected to get the girl he loved.


But as the man waited for an answer he was obliged to say something.


"I suppose it's the old story," he said.


You want my money, and she wants you, just because she has been told to take somebody else.


You want something to live on;--that's what you want.


When we understand each other I'll put you in the way of making money."


"Of course I'm not very well off," said Felix.


"About as badly as any young man that I can hear of.


You give me your written promise that you'll drop this affair with Marie, and you shan't want for money."


I'll put you in the way of doing so well with these shares that you shall be able to marry any other girl you please;--or to live without marrying, which you'll find to be better."

And then I'll put you in the way of doing so well with these shares that you shall be able to marry any other girl you please - or to live without marrying, which you'll find to be better."


There was something worthy of consideration in Mr. Melmotte's proposition.


Marriage of itself, simply as a domestic institution, had not specially recommended itself to Sir Felix Carbury.

Marriage had not specially recommended itself to him.


A few horses at Leighton, Ruby Ruggles or any other beauty, and life at the Beargarden were much more to his taste.

A few horses, Ruby Ruggles or any other beauty, and life at the Beargarden were much more to his taste.


And then he was quite alive to the fact that it was possible that he might find himself possessed of the wife without the money.

And he was quite aware that he might find himself possessed of the wife without the money.


Marie, indeed, had a grand plan of her own, with reference to that settled income; but then Marie might be mistaken,--or she might be lying.

Marie might be mistaken about the amount settled on her - or she might be lying.


If he were sure of making money in the way Melmotte now suggested, the loss of Marie would not break his heart.

If he were sure of making money, the loss of Marie would not break his heart.


"By-the-bye, Mr. Melmotte," said he, "could you let me have those shares?"


And the heavy brow became still heavier.


"Don't you know?--I gave you a thousand pounds, and I was to have ten shares."

"I gave you a thousand pounds, and I was to have ten shares."


"You must come about that on the proper day, to the proper place."


"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.

Sir Felix looked very blank at hearing this, since it was now the twenty-first.


"A lot of fellows owe me money, but it's so hard to get it."


"That tells a story of gambling," said Mr. Melmotte.

"That tells 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.

"Nidderdale has a settled property which he cannot destroy.


But don't you be such a fool as to argue with me.

But don't be such a fool as to argue with me.


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.


On my word of honour as a gentleman, if my daughter were to marry you, she'd never have a single shilling.

But 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?"


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.

Melmotte himself dictated the words, which were not romantic:


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.

In consideration of the offers made by you, and on a clear understanding that such a marriage would be disagreeable to you and to the lady's mother, I hereby declare and promise that I will not renew my suit to the young lady, which I hereby altogether renounce.


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.

The letter was dated 21st July, and bore the printed address of the offices of the 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?"


"You can come to me in Abchurch Lane, you know."


Sir Felix said that he would call in Abchurch Lane.


As he went westward towards the Beargarden, the baronet was not happy in his mind.

As he went westward towards the Beargarden, the baronet was not happy.


Ignorant as he was as to the duties of a gentleman, indifferent as he was to the feelings of others, still he felt ashamed of himself.

Ignorant as he was about the duties of a gentleman, indifferent as he was to the feelings of others, still he felt ashamed.


He knew that he was treating the girl very badly.


Even he knew that he was behaving badly.


He was so conscious of it that he tried to console himself by reflecting that his writing such a letter as that would not prevent his running away with the girl, should he, on consideration, find it to be worth his while to do so.

He tried to console himself by reflecting that his writing such a letter would not prevent his running away with the girl, should he, on consideration, find it worth his while to do so.


That night he was again playing at the Beargarden, and he lost a great part of Mr. Melmotte's money.


He did in fact lose much more than the 200; but when he found his ready money going from him he issued paper.

In fact he lost much more than the 200; but he paid in I.O.U.s.


Augustus Melmotte was becoming greater and greater in every direction,--mightier and mightier every day.

Augustus Melmotte was becoming greater and mightier every day.


He was learning to despise mere lords, and to feel that he might almost domineer over a duke.


In truth he did recognise it as a fact that he must either domineer over dukes, or else go to the wall.


It can hardly be said of him that he had intended to play so high a game, but the game that he had intended to play had become thus high of its own accord.

He had not intended to play so high a game, but the game had become high of its own accord.


A man cannot always restrain his own doings and keep them within the limits which he had himself planned for them.

A man cannot always keep his doings within the limits which he has planned.


They will very often fall short of the magnitude to which his ambition has aspired.


They will sometimes soar higher than his own imagination.

aspirations; they will sometimes soar higher than he had imagined.


He had contemplated great things; but the things which he was achieving were beyond his contemplation.


The reader will not have thought much of Fisker on his arrival in England.


Fisker was, perhaps, not a man worthy of much thought.

Fisker was, perhaps, not worthy of much thought.


He had never written a line worth reading.


He had sprung out of some Californian gully, was perhaps ignorant of his own father and mother, and had tumbled up in the world on the strength of his own audacity.

He had sprung out of some Californian gully, and had tumbled up in the world on the strength of his own audacity.


But, such as he was, he had sufficed to give the necessary impetus for rolling Augustus Melmotte onwards into almost unprecedented commercial greatness.

But, such as he was, he had given the necessary impetus for rolling Augustus Melmotte onward into almost unprecedented commercial greatness, thanks to


When Mr. Melmotte took his offices in Abchurch Lane, he was undoubtedly a great man, but nothing so great as when the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway had become not only an established fact, but a fact established in Abchurch Lane.


The great company indeed had an office of its own, where the Board was held; but everything was really managed in Mr. Melmotte's own commercial sanctum.

The great company had its own office, where the Board was held; but everything was really managed in Mr. Melmotte's offices at Abchurch Lane.


Obeying, no doubt, some inscrutable law of commerce, the grand enterprise,--"perhaps the grandest when you consider the amount of territory manipulated, which has ever opened itself before the eyes of a great commercial people," as Mr. Fisker with his peculiar eloquence observed through his nose, about this time to a meeting of shareholders at San Francisco,--had swung itself across from California to London, turning itself to the centre of the commercial world as the needle turns to the pole, till Mr. Fisker almost regretted the deed which himself had done.

The enterprise had swung itself across from California to London, as a compass needle turns to the pole, till Mr. Fisker almost regretted the deed which he had done.


And Melmotte was not only the head, but the body also, and the feet of it all.

And Melmotte was not only the head, but the body of it all.


The shares seemed to be all in Melmotte's pocket, so that he could distribute them as he would; and it seemed also that when distributed and sold, and when bought again and sold again, they came back to Melmotte's pocket.

The shares seemed to be all in Melmotte's pocket, so that he could distribute them as he would; and it seemed when sold, they came back to Melmotte's pocket.


Men were contented to buy their shares and to pay their money, simply on Melmotte's word.

Men were content to buy shares simply on Melmotte's word.


Sir Felix had realised a large portion of his winnings at cards,--with commendable prudence for one so young and extravagant,--and had brought his savings to the great man.

Sir Felix had brought his winnings at cards to the great man,


The great man had swept the earnings of the Beargarden into his till, and had told Sir Felix that the shares were his.

who had swept the money into his till, and had told Sir Felix that the shares were his.


Sir Felix had been not only contented, but supremely happy.


He could now do as Paul Montague was doing,--and Lord Alfred Grendall.


He could realize a perennial income, buying and selling.

: get a perennial income, buying and selling.


It was only after the reflection of a day or two that he found that he had as yet got nothing to sell.

It was only after a day or two's reflection that he found that he had nothing yet to sell.


It was not only Sir Felix that was admitted into these good things after this fashion.


In the meantime the bills in Grosvenor Square were no doubt paid with punctuality,--and these bills must have been stupendous.

In the meantime the bills in Grosvenor Square were no doubt paid - and these bills must have been stupendous.


The very servants were as tall, as gorgeous, almost as numerous, as the servants of royalty,--and remunerated by much higher wages.

The very servants were as tall, gorgeous, and numerous as the servants of royalty.


There were four coachmen with egregious wigs, and eight footmen, not one with a circumference of calf less than eighteen inches.


And now there appeared a paragraph in the "Morning Breakfast Table," and another appeared in the "Evening Pulpit," telling the world that Mr. Melmotte had bought Pickering Park, the magnificent Sussex property of Adolphus Longestaffe, Esq., of Caversham.

And now there appeared a paragraph in the Morning Breakfast Table, and another in the Evening Pulpit, telling the world that Mr. Melmotte had bought Pickering Park, the magnificent Sussex property of Adolphus Longestaffe.


The father and son who never had agreed before, and who now had come to no agreement in the presence of each other, had each considered that their affairs would be safe in the hands of so great a man as Mr. Melmotte, and had been brought to terms.


The purchase-money, which was large, was to be divided between them.

The purchase-money was to be divided between father and son.


The thing was done with the greatest ease,--there being no longer any delay as is the case when small people are at work.


The magnificence of Mr. Melmotte affected even the Longestaffe lawyers.

for the magnificence of Mr. Melmotte affected even the Longestaffe lawyers.


Were I to buy a little property, some humble cottage with a garden,--or you, O reader, unless you be magnificent,--the money to the last farthing would be wanted, or security for the money more than sufficient, before we should be able to enter in upon our new home.

Were I to buy some humble cottage, the money would be wanted to the last farthing before we should be able to enter our new home.


But money was the very breath of Melmotte's nostrils, and therefore his breath was taken for money.

But Melmotte's mere breath was taken for money.


Pickering was his, and before a week was over a London builder had collected masons and carpenters by the dozen down at Chichester, and was at work upon the house to make it fit to be a residence for Madame Melmotte.

Pickering was his, and within a week a builder, with masons and carpenters, was at work upon the house.


There were rumours that it was to be made ready for the Goodwood week, and that the Melmotte entertainment during that festival would rival the duke's.


But there was still much to be done in London before the Goodwood week should come round in all of which Mr. Melmotte was concerned, and of much of which Mr. Melmotte was the very centre.

But there was still much for Mr. Melmotte to do in London.


A member for Westminster had succeeded to a peerage, and thus a seat was vacated.

The parliamentary seat for Westminster had fallen vacant, and


It was considered to be indispensable to the country that Mr. Melmotte should go into Parliament, and what constituency could such a man as Melmotte so fitly represent as one combining as Westminster does all the essences of the metropolis?

it was considered vital to the country that Mr. Melmotte should go into Parliament. What constituency could be so fit as Westminster?


There was the popular element, the fashionable element, the legislative element, the legal element, and the commercial element.


Melmotte undoubtedly was the man for Westminster.


His thorough popularity was evinced by testimony which perhaps was never before given in favour of any candidate for any county or borough.


In Westminster there must of course be a contest.


A seat for Westminster is a thing not to be abandoned by either political party without a struggle.


But, at the beginning of the affair, when each party had to seek the most suitable candidate which the country could supply, each party put its hand upon Melmotte.

When each party began to seek the most suitable candidate, each put its hand upon Melmotte.


And when the seat, and the battle for the seat, were suggested to Melmotte, then for the first time was that great man forced to descend from the altitudes on which his mind generally dwelt, and to decide whether he would enter Parliament as a Conservative or a Liberal.

And that great man was forced to descend from the heights on which his mind dwelt, and to decide whether he would enter Parliament as a Conservative or a Liberal.


He was not long in convincing himself that the Conservative element in British Society stood the most in need of that fiscal assistance which it would be in his province to give; and on the next day every hoarding in London declared to the world that Melmotte was the Conservative candidate for Westminster.

The next day every hoarding in London declared to the world that Melmotte was the Conservative candidate for Westminster.


It is needless to say that his committee was made up of peers, bankers, and publicans, with all that absence of class prejudice for which the party has become famous since the ballot was introduced among us.


Some unfortunate Liberal was to be made to run against him, for the sake of the party; but the odds were ten to one on Melmotte.

Some unfortunate Liberal was to run against him; but the odds were ten to one on Melmotte.


This no doubt was a great matter,--this affair of the seat; but the dinner to be given to the Emperor of China was much greater.

This no doubt was a great matter; but the dinner to be given to the Emperor of China was much greater.


It was the middle of June, and the dinner was to be given on Monday, 8th July, now three weeks hence;--but all London was already talking of it.

It was now the middle of June, and the dinner was to be given on the 8th of July.


The great purport proposed was to show to the Emperor by this banquet what an English merchant-citizen of London could do.

The idea was to show the Emperor by this banquet what an English merchant-citizen of London could do.


Of course there was a great amount of scolding and a loud clamour on the occasion.


Some men said that Melmotte was not a citizen of London, others that he was not a merchant, others again that he was not an Englishman.

Of course some men said that Melmotte was not a citizen of London, and not even an Englishman.


But no man could deny that he was both able and willing to spend the necessary money; and as this combination of ability and will was the chief thing necessary, they who opposed the arrangement could only storm and scold.

But no one could deny that he was both able and willing to spend the necessary money.


On the 20th of June the tradesmen were at work, throwing up a building behind, knocking down walls, and generally transmuting the house in Grosvenor Square in such a fashion that two hundred guests might be able to sit down to dinner in the dining-room of a British merchant.

On the 20th of June the tradesmen were at work, knocking down walls, and generally transmuting the house in Grosvenor Square so that two hundred guests might be able to sit down to dinner in the dining-room of a British merchant.


It used to be the case that when a gentleman gave a dinner he asked his own guests;--but when affairs become great, society can hardly be carried on after that simple fashion.


The Emperor of China could not be made to sit at table without English royalty, and English royalty must know whom it has to meet,--must select at any rate some of its comrades.

The Emperor of China could not sit at the table without English royalty.


The minister of the day also had his candidates for the dinner,--in which arrangement there was however no private patronage, as the list was confined to the cabinet and their wives.

The list also included the Prime Minister, his cabinet and their wives.


The Prime Minister took some credit to himself in that he would not ask for a single ticket for a private friend.


But the Opposition as a body desired their share of seats.

The Opposition desired their share of seats.


Melmotte had elected to stand for Westminster on the Conservative interest, and was advised that he must insist on having as it were a Conservative cabinet present, with its Conservative wives.

As a Conservative candidate, Melmotte was advised that he must have Conservative members, with their wives


He was told that he owed it to his party, and that his party exacted payment of the debt.


But the great difficulty lay with the city merchants.


This was to be a city merchant's private feast, and it was essential that the Emperor should meet this great merchant's brother merchants at the merchant's board.

It was essential that the Emperor should meet this great merchant's brother-merchants at the dinner.


No doubt the Emperor would see all the merchants at the Guildhall; but that would be a semi-public affair, paid for out of the funds of a corporation.


Now the Lord Mayor had set his face against it, and what was to be done?

Yet the Lord Mayor had set his face against it, and what was to be done?


Meetings were held; a committee was appointed; merchant guests were selected, to the number of fifteen with their fifteen wives;--and subsequently the Lord Mayor was made a baronet on the occasion of receiving the Emperor in the city.

Meetings were held; a committee was appointed; fifteen merchant guests were selected, with their fifteen wives - and the Lord Mayor was made a baronet.


The Emperor with his suite was twenty people.


Royalty had twenty tickets, each ticket for guest and wife.


The existing Cabinet was fourteen; but the coming was numbered at about eleven only;--each one for self and wife.

The existing Cabinet was fourteen; but only eleven were coming.


Five ambassadors and five ambassadresses were to be asked.


There were to be fifteen real merchants out of the city.


Ten great peers,--with their peeresses,--were selected by the general committee of management.

Ten great peers, with their peeresses, were selected.


There were to be three wise men, two poets, three independent members of the House of Commons, two Royal Academicians, three editors of papers, an African traveller who had just come home, and a novelist;--but all these latter gentlemen were expected to come as bachelors.

There were to be three wise men, two poets, three independent members of the House of Commons, two Royal Academicians, three editors of papers - Mr. Alf, Mr. Broune and Mr. Booker; an African traveller who had just come home, and a novelist; but all these latter gentlemen were expected to come alone.


Three tickets were to be kept over for presentation to bores endowed with a power of making themselves absolutely unendurable if not admitted at the last moment,--and ten were left for the giver of the feast and his own family and friends.

Three tickets were kept for last-minute presentation - and ten were left for Melmotte and his own family and friends.


It is often difficult to make things go smooth,--but almost all roughnesses may be smoothed at last with patience and care, and money and patronage.


Eight hundred additional tickets were to be issued for Madame Melmotte's evening entertainment, and the fight for these was more internecine than for seats at the dinner.

Eight hundred additional tickets were to be issued for Madame Melmotte's evening entertainment, and the fight for these was fiercer than for seats at the dinner.


The dinner-seats, indeed, were handled in so statesmanlike a fashion that there was not much visible fighting about them.


The existing Cabinet was existing, and though there were two or three members of it who could not have got themselves elected at a single unpolitical club in London, they had a right to their seats at Melmotte's table.


What disappointed ambition there might be among Conservative candidates was never known to the public.


Those gentlemen do not wash their dirty linen in public.


The ambassadors of course were quiet, but we may be sure that the Minister from the United States was among the favoured five.


The city bankers and bigwigs, as has been already said, were at first unwilling to be present, and therefore they who were not chosen could not afterwards express their displeasure.


No grumbling was heard among the peers, and that which came from the peeresses floated down into the current of the great fight about the evening entertainment.


The poet laureate was of course asked, and the second poet was as much a matter of course.


Only two Academicians had in this year painted royalty, so that there was no ground for jealousy there.


There were three, and only three, specially insolent and specially disagreeable independent members of Parliament at that time in the House, and there was no difficulty in selecting them.


Among editors of newspapers there was some ill-blood.


That Mr. Alf and Mr. Broune should be selected was almost a matter of course.


They were hated accordingly, but still this was expected.


Was it because he had praised the Prime Minister's translation of Catullus?


The African traveller chose himself by living through all his perils and coming home.


A novelist was selected; but as royalty wanted another ticket at the last moment, the gentleman was only asked to come in after dinner.


His proud heart, however, resented the treatment, and he joined amicably with his literary brethren in decrying the festival altogether.


We should be advancing too rapidly into this portion of our story were we to concern ourselves deeply at the present moment with the feud as it raged before the evening came round, but it may be right to indicate that the desire for tickets at last became a burning passion, and a passion which in the great majority of cases could not be indulged.


The value of the privilege was so great that Madame Melmotte thought that she was doing almost more than friendship called for when she informed her guest, Miss Longestaffe, that unfortunately there would be no seat for her at the dinner-table; but that, as payment for her loss, she should receive an evening ticket for herself and a joint ticket for a gentleman and his wife.

The value of the privilege was so great that Madame Melmotte thought that she was doing more than friendship called for when she informed her guest, Miss Longestaffe, that unfortunately there would be no seat for her at the dinner; but that instead she should receive an evening ticket for herself and a joint ticket for a gentleman and his wife.


Georgiana was at first indignant, but she accepted the compromise.


What she did with her tickets shall be hereafter told.

What she did with her tickets shall be told later.


From all this I trust it will be understood that the Mr. Melmotte of the present hour was a very different man from that Mr. Melmotte who was introduced to the reader in the early chapters of this chronicle.

From all this it will be understood that Mr. Melmotte needed no man


Royalty was not to be smuggled in and out of his house now without his being allowed to see it.


No manoeuvres now were necessary to catch a simple duchess.


Lord Alfred when he was called by his Christian name felt no aristocratic twinges.

Lord Alfred, when he was called by his Christian name, felt no aristocratic twinges


He was only too anxious to make himself more and more necessary to the great man.

, but was only too anxious to make himself necessary to the great man.


It is true that all this came as it were by jumps, so that very often a part of the world did not know on what ledge in the world the great man was perched at that moment.


Miss Longestaffe who was staying in the house did not at all know how great a man her host was.


Lady Monogram when she refused to go to Grosvenor Square, or even to allow any one to come out of the house in Grosvenor Square to her parties, was groping in outer darkness.


The great man did not quite know himself where, from time to time, he was standing.


The world knew that Mr. Melmotte was to be Member for Westminster, that Mr. Melmotte was to entertain the Emperor of China, that Mr. Melmotte carried the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway in his pocket;--and the world worshipped Mr. Melmotte.


In the meantime Mr. Melmotte was much troubled about his private affairs.


He had promised his daughter to Lord Nidderdale, and as he rose in the world had lowered the price which he offered for this marriage,--not so much in the absolute amount of fortune to be ultimately given, as in the manner of giving it.

He had promised his daughter to Lord Nidderdale, and as he rose in the world had lowered the price which he offered for this marriage.


Fifteen thousand a year was to be settled on Marie and on her eldest son, and twenty thousand pounds were to be paid into Nidderdale's hands six months after the marriage.

Fifteen thousand a year was to be settled on Marie and her first son, and twenty thousand pounds were to be paid to Nidderdale six months after the marriage.


Melmotte gave his reasons for not paying this sum at once.


Nidderdale would be more likely to be quiet, if he were kept waiting for that short time.


Melmotte was to purchase and furnish for them a house in town.

could purchase and furnish for them a house in town.


It was, too, almost understood that the young people were to have Pickering Park for themselves, except for a week or so at the end of July.

It was also said in the papers that the young people were to have Pickering Park


It was absolutely given out in the papers that Pickering was to be theirs.


It was said on all sides that Nidderdale was doing very well for himself.

; and that Nidderdale was doing very well for himself.


The absolute money was not perhaps so great as had been at first asked; but then, at that time, Melmotte was not the strong rock, the impregnable tower of commerce, the very navel of the commercial enterprise of the world,--as all men now regarded him.

The money was not perhaps so great as had been at first asked; but at that time, Melmotte had not been the strong, impregnable tower of commerce, as all men now regarded him.


Nidderdale's father, and Nidderdale himself, were, in the present condition of things, content with a very much less stringent bargain than that which they had endeavoured at first to exact.

Nidderdale and his father were content with the bargain.


But, in the midst of all this, Marie, who had at one time consented at her father's instance to accept the young lord, and who in some speechless fashion had accepted him, told both the young lord and her father, very roundly, that she had changed her mind.

But, in the midst of all this, Marie, who had at one time consented to accept the young lord, told both the young lord and her father, very roundly, that she had changed her mind.


Her father scowled at her and told her that her mind in the matter was of no concern.

Her father scowled and told her that her mind was of no concern.


He intended that she should marry Lord Nidderdale, and himself fixed some day in August for the wedding.

She would marry Lord Nidderdale in August.


"It is no use, father, for I will never have him," said Marie.


"If you mean Sir Felix Carbury, it is about him."


He has been to you and told you, and therefore I don't know why I need hold my tongue."


"You'll both starve, my lady; that's all."


Marie however was not so wedded to the grandeur which she encountered in Grosvenor Square as to be afraid of the starvation which she thought she might have to suffer if married to Sir Felix Carbury.


Melmotte had not time for any long discussion.


As he left her he took hold of her and shook her.


"By ----," he said, "if you run rusty after all I've done for you, I'll make you suffer.

"By -," he said, "if you run rusty after all I've done for you, I'll make you suffer.


He hasn't the price of a petticoat or a pair of stockings.


He's looking only for what you haven't got, and shan't have if you marry him.


He wants money, not you, you little fool!"


But after that she was quite settled in her purpose when Nidderdale spoke to her.

But she was quite settled in her purpose when Nidderdale spoke to her.


They had been engaged and then it had been off;--and now the young nobleman, having settled everything with the father, expected no great difficulty in resettling everything with the girl.

The young nobleman, having settled everything with the father, expected no great difficulty in resettling everything with the girl.


He was not very skilful at making love,--but he was thoroughly good-humoured, from his nature anxious to please, and averse to give pain.

He was not very skilful at making love, but he was thoroughly good-humoured, anxious to please, and averse to give pain.


There was hardly any injury which he could not forgive, and hardly any kindness which he would not do,--so that the labour upon himself was not too great.


"Well, Miss Melmotte," he said; "governors are stern beings: are they not?"

"Well, Miss Melmotte," he said; "parents are stern beings: are they not?


"What I mean is that sons and daughters have to obey them.


I was awfully spoony on you that time before; I was indeed."


"I hope it didn't hurt you much, Lord Nidderdale."


You know well enough that you and I can't marry without leave from the governors."

You know well enough that you and I can't marry without leave from them."


"Nor with it," said Marie, nodding her head.


There was some hitch somewhere,--I don't quite know where."


--The hitch had been with himself, as he demanded ready money.


Can't we make a match of it, Miss Melmotte?"


"No, Lord Nidderdale; I don't think we can."


When that was going on before I knew nothing about it.


"And you've seen somebody you like better than me?"


"I say nothing about that, Lord Nidderdale.


I don't think you ought to blame me, my lord."


"There was something before, but it was you that was off first.


"The governors have a right to be off, I suppose.


But I don't think any governor has a right to make anybody marry any one."

"I don't think any father has a right to make anybody marry anyone."


"I agree with you there;--I do indeed," said Lord Nidderdale.

"I agree with you there," said Lord Nidderdale.


I've thought a great deal about it since that other time, and that's what I've come to determine."


"But I don't know why you shouldn't--just marry me--because you--like me."

"But I don't know why you shouldn't just marry me - because you - like me."


"I like you ever so,--only marrying a person is different."

"I like you ever so, Lord Nidderdale; only marrying a person is different."


"And I don't mind telling you," said Marie with an almost solemn expression on her countenance, "because you are good-natured and won't get me into a scrape if you can help it, that I do like somebody else;--oh, so much."

"And I don't mind telling you," said Marie solemnly, "because you are good-natured and won't get me into a scrape, that I do like somebody else - oh, so much."


The governors had settled everything, and we should have been awfully jolly.


I'd have gone in for all the things you go in for; and though your governor was screwing us up a bit, there would have been plenty of tin to go on with.


I shall come to the party all the same if you send me a ticket."


And so Nidderdale took his dismissal, and went away,--not however without an idea that the marriage would still come off.


There was always,--so he thought,--such a bother about things before they would get themselves fixed.


This happened some days after Mr. Broune's proposal to Lady Carbury, more than a week since Marie had seen Sir Felix.

This happened more than a week since Marie had seen Sir Felix.


As soon as Lord Nidderdale was gone she wrote again to Sir Felix begging that she might hear from him,--and entrusted her letter to Didon.

As soon as Lord Nidderdale was gone she wrote again to Sir Felix begging that she might hear from him, and entrusted her letter to Didon.


Roger Carbury's half formed plan of keeping Henrietta at home while Lady Carbury and Sir Felix went to dine at Caversham fell to the ground.

That evening, Lady Carbury went to dine at Caversham


It was to be carried out only in the event of Hetta's yielding to his prayer.


But he had in fact not made a prayer, and Hetta had certainly yielded nothing.


When the evening came, Lady Carbury started with her son and daughter, and Roger was left alone.


In the ordinary course of his life he was used to solitude.


During the greater part of the year he would eat and drink and live without companionship; so that there was to him nothing peculiarly sad in this desertion.

For most of the year he would eat and drink and live without companionship; there was to him nothing particularly sad in it.


But on the present occasion he could not prevent himself from dwelling on the loneliness of his lot in life.

But on this occasion he could not prevent himself from dwelling on the loneliness of life.


These cousins of his who were his guests cared nothing for him.


Lady Carbury had come to his house simply that it might be useful to her; Sir Felix did not pretend to treat him with even ordinary courtesy; and Hetta herself, though she was soft to him and gracious, was soft and gracious through pity rather than love.

Lady Carbury had come to his house simply because it might be useful to her; Sir Felix did not pretend to treat him with even ordinary courtesy; and Hetta herself was soft and gracious to him through pity rather than love.


On this day he had, in truth, asked her for nothing; but he had almost brought himself to think that she might give all that he wanted without asking.

On this day he had almost brought himself to think that she might give all that he wanted without asking.


And yet, when he told her of the greatness of his love, and of its endurance, she was simply silent.

And yet, when he told her of the greatness of his enduring love, she was simply silent.


When the carriage taking them to dinner went away down the road, he sat on the parapet of the bridge in front of the house listening to the sound of the horses' feet, and telling himself that there was nothing left for him in life.

When the carriage took them away, he sat on the parapet of the bridge in front of the house listening to the sound of the horses' feet, and telling himself that there was nothing left for him in life.


If ever one man had been good to another, he had been good to Paul Montague, and now Paul Montague was robbing him of everything he valued in the world.


His thoughts were not logical, nor was his mind exact.

His thoughts were not logical, nor exact.


The more he considered it, the stronger was his inward condemnation of his friend.

The more he considered it, the more strongly he condemned his friend.


He had never mentioned to anyone the services he had rendered to Montague.

He had never mentioned to anyone the services he had given to Montague.


In speaking of him to Hetta he had alluded only to the affection which had existed between them.


But he felt that because of those services his friend Montague had owed it to him not to fall in love with the girl he loved; and he thought that if, unfortunately, this had happened unawares, Montague should have retired as soon as he learned the truth.

But he felt that Montague had owed it to him not to fall in love with the girl he loved; he should have retired as soon as he learned the truth.


He could not bring himself to forgive his friend, even though Hetta had assured him that his friend had never spoken to her of love.

Roger could not bring himself to forgive his friend, even though Hetta had assured him that Montague had never spoken to her of love.


He was sore all over, and it was Paul Montague who made him sore.


Had there been no such man at Carbury when Hetta came there, Hetta might now have been mistress of the house.

Without Paul, Hetta might now have been mistress of Carbury.


He sat there till the servant came to tell him that his dinner was on the table.


Then he crept in and ate,--so that the man might not see his sorrow; and, after dinner, he sat with a book in his hand seeming to read.

Then he crept in and ate, so that the man might not see his sorrow; and, after dinner, he sat with a book in his hand seeming to read.


But he read not a word, for his mind was fixed altogether on his cousin Hetta.

But he read not a word, for his mind was fixed on Hetta.


"What a poor creature a man is," he said to himself, "who is not sufficiently his own master to get over a feeling like this."


At Caversham there was a very grand party,--as grand almost as a dinner party can be in the country.

At Caversham there was a very grand dinner party.


There were the Earl and Countess of Loddon and Lady Jane Pewet from Loddon Park, and the bishop and his wife, and the Hepworths.

There were the Earl and Countess of Loddon and Lady Jane Pewet, and the bishop and his wife, and the Hepworths.


These, with the Carburys and the parson's family, and the people staying in the house, made twenty-four at the dinner table.


As there were fourteen ladies and only ten men, the banquet can hardly be said to have been very well arranged.


But those things cannot be done in the country with the exactness which the appliances of London make easy; and then the Longestaffes, though they were decidedly people of fashion, were not famous for their excellence in arranging such matters.


If aught, however, was lacking in exactness, it was made up in grandeur.


There were three powdered footmen, and in that part of the country Lady Pomona alone was served after this fashion; and there was a very heavy butler, whose appearance of itself was sufficient to give clat to a family.

There were three powdered footmen, unique to that part of the country; and a very heavy and imposing butler.


The grand saloon in which nobody ever lived was thrown open, and sofas and chairs on which nobody ever sat were uncovered.

The grand saloon was thrown open, and sofas and chairs on which nobody ever sat were uncovered.


It was not above once in the year that this kind of thing was done at Caversham; but when it was done, nothing was spared which could contribute to the magnificence of the fte.

This kind of thing was done at Caversham only once a year; but when it was done, nothing was spared which could add to its magnificence.


Lady Pomona and her two tall daughters standing up to receive the little Countess of Loddon and Lady Jane Pewet, who was the image of her mother on a somewhat smaller scale, while Madame Melmotte and Marie stood behind as though ashamed of themselves, was a sight to see.

Lady Pomona and her two tall daughters stood up to receive the Countess of Loddon and Lady Jane Pewet. Madame Melmotte and Marie stood behind as though ashamed of themselves.


Then the Carburys came, and then Mrs. Yeld with the bishop.


The grand room was soon fairly full; but nobody had a word to say.


The bishop was generally a man of much conversation, and Lady Loddon, if she were well pleased with her listeners, could talk by the hour without ceasing.


But on this occasion nobody could utter a word.


Lord Loddon pottered about, making a feeble attempt, in which he was seconded by no one.


Lord Alfred stood, stock-still, stroking his grey moustache with his hand.

while Lord Alfred stood stock-still stroking his grey moustache.


That much greater man, Augustus Melmotte, put his thumbs into the arm-holes of his waistcoat, and was impassible.

Augustus Melmotte put his thumbs into the arm-holes of his waistcoat, and was impassive.


The bishop saw at a glance the hopelessness of the occasion, and made no attempt.

The bishop saw at a glance the hopelessness of the occasion, and did not try to make conversation.


The master of the house shook hands with each guest as he entered, and then devoted his mind to expectation of the next comer.


Lady Pomona and her two daughters were grand and handsome, but weary and dumb.

Lady Pomona and her two daughters were grand and handsome, but dumb and weary


In accordance with the treaty, Madame Melmotte had been entertained civilly for four entire days.

after four days of civilly entertaining Madame Melmotte.


It could not be expected that the ladies of Caversham should come forth unwearied after such a struggle.


When dinner was announced Felix was allowed to take in Marie Melmotte.


There can be no doubt but that the Caversham ladies did execute their part of the treaty.


They were led to suppose that this arrangement would be desirable to the Melmottes, and they made it.


The great Augustus himself went in with Lady Carbury, much to her satisfaction.

The great Augustus went in with Lady Carbury, much to her satisfaction.


She also had been dumb in the drawing-room; but now, if ever, it would be her duty to exert herself.

She also had been dumb in the drawing-room; but now it would be her duty to talk.


Oh, yes;--very nice place for a little fresh air."

Very nice place for a little fresh air."


When the summer comes one does long so to see the flowers."

When the summer comes one does long to see the flowers."


"We have better flowers in our balconies than any I see down here," said Mr. Melmotte.


"No doubt;--because you can command the floral tribute of the world at large.

"No doubt; because you can command the floral tribute of the world.


It can turn a London street into a bower of roses, and give you grottoes in Grosvenor Square."

Money can turn a London street into a bower of roses, and give you grottoes in Grosvenor Square."


"If you have got plenty of money, Mr. Melmotte."


"And if you have not, it's the best place I know to get it.


He had quite forgotten Lady Carbury even if he had seen her at his house, and with the dulness of hearing common to men, had not picked up her name when told to take her out to dinner.


I have had the honour of being entertained by you there."


So many do come, that I don't always just remember."

So many do come, that I don't always remember."


"How should you,--with all the world flocking round you?

"How should you - with all the world flocking round you?


I am Lady Carbury, the mother of Sir Felix Carbury, whom I think you will remember."


He's sitting there, next to my daughter."


Young men don't get their happiness in that way now.


"He sits at the same Board with you, I think, Mr. Melmotte."


Lady Carbury was very clever as to many things, and was not ill-informed on matters in general that were going on around her; but she did not know much about the city, and was profoundly ignorant as to the duties of those Directors of whom, from time to time, she saw the names in a catalogue.

Lady Carbury was clever and well-informed about many things, but she did not know much about the city, and was profoundly ignorant as to the duties of Directors.


"I trust that he is diligent, there," she said; "and that he is aware of the great privilege which he enjoys in having the advantage of your counsel and guidance."

"I trust that he is diligent there," she said; "and that he is aware of the great privilege which he enjoys in having your counsel and guidance."


"He don't trouble me much, ma'am, and I don't trouble him much."


After this Lady Carbury said no more as to her son's position in the city.

Lady Carbury said no more about her son's position in the city.


She endeavoured to open various other subjects of conversation; but she found Mr. Melmotte to be heavy on her hands.

She tried to talk of other things; but she found Mr. Melmotte to be heavy on her hands.


After a while she had to abandon him in despair, and give herself up to raptures in favour of Protestantism at the bidding of the Caversham parson, who sat on the other side of her, and who had been worked to enthusiasm by some mention of Father Barham's name.

After a while she had to abandon him in despair, and give herself up to the Caversham parson, who sat on her other side.


Opposite to her, or nearly so, sat Sir Felix and his love.

Opposite her sat Sir Felix and his love.


"I have told mamma," Marie had whispered, as she walked in to dinner with him.


She was now full of the idea so common to girls who are engaged,--and as natural as it is common,--that she might tell everything to her lover.

She was now full of the idea that she might tell everything to her lover.


Then Marie had to take her place and arrange her dress before she could reply to him.

Marie had to take her place and arrange her dress before she could reply.


"As to her, I suppose it does not matter what she says, does it?"


She thinks that papa will think you are not rich enough.


Talk about something else, or people will hear."


So much she had been able to say during the bustle.


Felix was not at all anxious to talk about his love, and changed the subject very willingly.

Felix changed the subject very willingly.


"No; I don't think there are horses here,--not for visitors, that is.

"No; I don't think there are horses here for visitors.


"None at all," said Felix, remembering Ruby Ruggles.


This she said bringing her voice down to a whisper.


I suppose I'd better go to your father in the city.


Sometimes he's good-natured enough when he comes back, but sometimes he's very cross.


Lord Alfred is almost always there; and then other people come, and they play cards.


Now that I've once said it nothing will ever turn me.


Felix looked at her as she said this, and thought that he saw more in her countenance than he had ever read there before.

Felix looked at her as she said this, and thought that he saw more in her face than he had ever read there before.


Perhaps she would consent to run away with him; and, if so, being the only child, she would certainly,--almost certainly,--be forgiven.

Perhaps she would consent to run away with him; and, if so, being the only child, she would certainly - almost certainly - be forgiven.


But if he were to run away with her and marry her, and then find that she were not forgiven, and that Melmotte allowed her to starve without a shilling of fortune, where would he be then?

But if he were to elope with her, and then find that she were not forgiven, where would he be then?


Looking at the matter in all its bearings, considering among other things the trouble and the expense of such a measure, he thought that he could not afford to run away with her.

Considering the trouble and the expense of it, he thought that he could not afford to run away with her.


After dinner he hardly spoke to her; indeed, the room itself,--the same big room in which they had been assembled before the feast,--seemed to be ill-adapted for conversation.


Again nobody talked to anybody, and the minutes went very heavily till at last the carriages were there to take them all home.

Indeed, nobody talked to anybody, and the minutes went very heavily till at last the carriages were there to take them all home.


"They arranged that you should sit next to her," said Lady Carbury to her son, as they were in the carriage.

"They arranged that you should sit next to her," said Lady Carbury to her son, in the carriage.


"Oh, I suppose that came naturally;--one young man and one young woman, you know."


"Those things are always arranged, and they would not have done it unless they had thought that it would please Mr. Melmotte.

"They would not have done that unless they had thought that it would please Mr. Melmotte.


"I shall if I can, mother; you needn't make a fuss about it."


You cannot wonder that I should be anxious.


You behaved beautifully to her at dinner; I was so happy to see you together.


she said again, as they were parting for the night.


"I shall be the happiest and the proudest mother in England if this comes about."

I shall be the happiest and proudest mother in England if this comes about."


On the following Saturday there appeared in Mr. Alf's paper, the "Evening Pulpit," a very remarkable article on the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway.

On the following Saturday there appeared in Mr. Alf's paper, the Evening Pulpit, a very remarkable article on the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway.


It was an article that attracted a great deal of attention and was therefore remarkable, but it was in nothing more remarkable than in this,--that it left on the mind of its reader no impression of any decided opinion about the railway.

This article attracted a great deal of attention, but the most remarkable thing about it was that it expressed no opinion about the railway at all.


The Editor would at any future time be able to refer to his article with equal pride whether the railway should become a great cosmopolitan fact, or whether it should collapse amidst the foul struggles of a horde of swindlers.

The Editor would at any future time be able to refer to his article with equal pride whether the railway should become reality, or whether it should collapse amidst a horde of swindlers.


In utrumque paratus, the article was mysterious, suggestive, amusing, well-informed,--that in the "Evening Pulpit" was a matter of course,--and, above all things, ironical.

The article was mysterious, amusing, well-informed, and above all ironical.


Next to its omniscience its irony was the strongest weapon belonging to the "Evening Pulpit."


There was a little praise given, no doubt in irony, to the duchesses who served Mr. Melmotte.


There was a little praise, given of course in irony, to Mr. Melmotte's Board of English Directors.


There was a good deal of praise, but still alloyed by a dash of irony, bestowed on the idea of civilising Mexico by joining it to California.


Praise was bestowed upon England for taking up the matter, but accompanied by some ironical touches at her incapacity to believe thoroughly in any enterprise not originated by herself.


Then there was something said of the universality of Mr. Melmotte's commercial genius, but whether said in a spirit prophetic of ultimate failure and disgrace, or of heavenborn success and unequalled commercial splendour, no one could tell.

Whether the writer thought the railway would be a failure or an unequalled success, no one could tell.


It was generally said at the clubs that Mr. Alf had written this article himself.

It was generally said that Mr. Alf had written this article himself.


Old Splinter, who was one of a body of men possessing an excellent cellar of wine and calling themselves Paides Pallados, and who had written for the heavy quarterlies any time this last forty years, professed that he saw through the article.


The "Evening Pulpit" had been, he explained, desirous of going as far as it could in denouncing Mr. Melmotte without incurring the danger of an action for libel.

Evening Pulpit had wanted to go as far as it could in denouncing Mr. Melmotte without incurring the danger of being sued for libel.


Mr. Splinter thought that the thing was clever but mean.


These new publications generally were mean.


Mr. Splinter was constant in that opinion; but, putting the meanness aside, he thought that the article was well done.


According to his view it was intended to expose Mr. Melmotte and the railway.


But the Paides Pallados generally did not agree with him.


Under such an interpretation, what had been the meaning of that paragraph in which the writer had declared that the work of joining one ocean to another was worthy of the nearest approach to divinity that had been granted to men?


Old Splinter chuckled and gabbled as he heard this, and declared that there was not wit enough left now even among the Paides Pallados to understand a shaft of irony.


There could be no doubt, however, at the time, that the world did not go with old Splinter, and that the article served to enhance the value of shares in the great railway enterprise.


Lady Carbury was sure that the article was intended to write up the railway, and took great joy in it.


She entertained in her brain a somewhat confused notion that if she could only bestir herself in the right direction and could induce her son to open his eyes to his own advantage, very great things might be achieved, so that wealth might become his handmaid and luxury the habit and the right of his life.

She had a somewhat confused notion that if she could only induce her son to open his eyes, very great things might be achieved, so that wealth might become his handmaid and luxury his habit.


He was the beloved and the accepted suitor of Marie Melmotte.


He was a Director of this great company, sitting at the same board with the great commercial hero.

He was a Director of this great company.


He was the handsomest young man in London.


Should she take Mr. Alf into her entire confidence?

Should she take Mr. Alf into her confidence?


If Melmotte and Alf could be brought together what might they not do?

If he and Melmotte could be brought together, what might they not do?


Alf could write up Melmotte, and Melmotte could shower shares upon Alf.


And if Melmotte would come and be smiled upon by herself, be flattered as she thought that she could flatter him, be told that he was a god, and have that passage about the divinity of joining ocean to ocean construed to him as she could construe it, would not the great man become plastic under her hands?

And if Melmotte would visit her and be smiled upon and flattered, would not the great man become putty under her hands?


And if, while this was a-doing, Felix would run away with Marie, could not forgiveness be made easy?

And if meanwhile, Felix ran away with Marie, could not forgiveness be made easy?


And her creative mind ranged still farther.


Mr. Broune might help, and even Mr. Booker.


To such a one as Melmotte, a man doing great things through the force of the confidence placed in him by the world at large, the freely-spoken support of the Press would be everything.

To such a one as Melmotte, the support of the Press would be everything.


Who would not buy shares in a railway as to which Mr. Broune and Mr. Alf would combine in saying that it was managed by "divinity"?

Who would not buy shares in a railway which Mr. Broune and Mr. Alf both praised to the heavens?


Her thoughts were rather hazy, but from day to day she worked hard to make them clear to herself.

Her thoughts were rather hazy, but she worked hard to make them clear to herself.


On the Sunday afternoon Mr. Booker called on her and talked to her about the article.

On the Sunday afternoon Mr. Booker called and talked to her about the article.


She did not say much to Mr. Booker as to her own connection with Mr. Melmotte, telling herself that prudence was essential in the present emergency.

She prudently did not say much to Mr. Booker about her own connection with Melmotte,


It was Mr. Booker's idea that the man was going "to make a spoon or spoil a horn."


"Of course, I mean honest as men can be in such very large transactions."

"Of course, I mean as honest as men can be in such very large transactions."


"Perhaps that is the best way of putting it," said Mr. Booker.


"If a thing can be made great and beneficent, a boon to humanity, simply by creating a belief in it, does not a man become a benefactor to his race by creating that belief?"

"If a thing can be made a great boon to humanity, simply by creating a belief in it, does not a man become a benefactor to his race by creating that belief?"


"One cannot measure such men by the ordinary rule."


You have to destroy a thousand living creatures every time you drink a glass of water, but you do not think of that when you are athirst.

You have to destroy a thousand living creatures every time you drink a glass of water, but you do not think of that when you are thirsty.


You cannot send a ship to sea without endangering lives.


You do send ships to sea though men perish yearly.


You tell me this man may perhaps ruin hundreds, but then again he may create a new world in which millions will be rich and happy."


"You are an excellent casuist, Lady Carbury."


"I am an enthusiastic lover of beneficent audacity," said Lady Carbury, picking her words slowly, and showing herself to be quite satisfied with herself as she picked them.

"I am an enthusiastic lover of beneficent audacity," said Lady Carbury, picking her words carefully.


"Did I hold your place, Mr. Booker, in the literature of my country,--"

"If I held your distinguished place, Mr. Booker,


Were I circumstanced as you are I should have no hesitation in lending the whole weight of my periodical, let it be what it might, to the assistance of so great a man and so great an object as this."

I should have no hesitation in lending the whole weight of my periodical to the assistance of so great a man and so great an object as this."


"I should be dismissed to-morrow," said Mr. Booker, getting up and laughing as he took his departure.

"I should be dismissed tomorrow," said Mr. Booker, laughing as he took his departure.


Lady Carbury felt that, as regarded Mr. Booker, she had only thrown out a chance word that could not do any harm.

Lady Carbury felt that she had only thrown out a word that could not do any harm.


She had not expected to effect much through Mr. Booker's instrumentality.


On the Tuesday evening,--her regular Tuesday as she called it,--all her three editors came to her drawing-room; but there came also a greater man than either of them.

On the Tuesday evening - her regular Tuesday - all her three editors came to her drawing-room; but there came also a greater man.


She had taken the bull by the horns, and without saying anything to anybody had written to Mr. Melmotte himself, asking him to honour her poor house with his presence.

She had taken the bull by the horns, and had written a very pretty note to Mr. Melmotte himself, asking him to honour her poor house with his presence.


She had written a very pretty note to him, reminding him of their meeting at Caversham, telling him that on a former occasion Madame Melmotte and his daughter had been so kind as to come to her, and giving him to understand that of all the potentates now on earth he was the one to whom she could bow the knee with the purest satisfaction.


He wrote back,--or Miles Grendall did for him,--a very plain note, accepting the honour of Lady Carbury's invitation.


The great man came, and Lady Carbury took him under her immediate wing with a grace that was all her own.

The great man came, and Lady Carbury took him gracefully under her wing.


She said a word about their dear friends at Caversham, expressed her sorrow that her son's engagements did not admit of his being there, and then with the utmost audacity rushed off to the article in the "Pulpit."

She said a word about their dear friends at Caversham, expressed her sorrow that her son's engagements did not allow him to be there, and then boldly brought up the article in the Pulpit.


Her friend, Mr. Alf, the editor, had thoroughly appreciated the greatness of Mr. Melmotte's character, and the magnificence of Mr. Melmotte's undertakings.

Her friend, Mr. Alf, the editor, had thoroughly appreciated the greatness of Mr. Melmotte's character, and the magnificence of his undertakings.


Mr. Melmotte bowed and muttered something that was inaudible.

Mr. Melmotte bowed and muttered something inaudible.


"Now I must introduce you to Mr. Alf," said the lady.


The introduction was effected, and Mr. Alf explained that it was hardly necessary, as he had already been entertained as one of Mr. Melmotte's guests.

When she did, Mr. Alf explained that he had already been entertained as one of Mr. Melmotte's guests.


"There were a great many there I never saw, and probably never shall see," said Mr. Melmotte.

"There were a great many there I never saw," said Mr. Melmotte.


"I was one of the unfortunates," said Mr. Alf.


"If you had come into the whist-room you would have found me."


The editor, as was proper, carried about with him samples of the irony which his paper used so effectively, but it was altogether thrown away upon Melmotte.

His irony was altogether thrown away upon Melmotte.


Lady Carbury finding that no immediate good results could be expected from this last introduction, tried another.

Lady Carbury, finding that no immediate good results could be expected from this introduction, tried another.


"Mr. Melmotte," she said, whispering to him, "I do so want to make you known to Mr. Broune.

"Mr. Melmotte," she whispered to him, "I do so want to make you known to Mr. Broune,


Mr. Broune I know you have never met before.


A morning paper is a much heavier burden to an editor than one published in the afternoon.


Mr. Broune, as of course you know, manages the 'Breakfast Table.'


There is hardly a more influential man in London than Mr. Broune.

There is hardly a more influential man in London."


And they declare, you know," she said, lowering the tone of her whisper as she communicated the fact, "that his commercial articles are gospel,--absolutely gospel."


Then the two men were named to each other, and Lady Carbury retreated;--but not out of hearing.

The two men were introduced to each other, and Lady Carbury retreated; but not out of hearing.


"Very hot indeed," said Mr. Broune again.


Mr. Broune sidled away, and Mr. Melmotte was left standing in the middle of the room.


Lady Carbury told herself at the moment that Rome was not built in a day.

Lady Carbury told herself that Rome was not built in a day.


She would have been better satisfied certainly if she could have laid a few more bricks on this day.

She would have been better satisfied certainly if she could have laid a few more bricks.


Perseverance, however, was the thing wanted.


But Mr. Melmotte himself had a word to say, and before he left the house he said it.

But Mr. Melmotte himself had a word to say before he left the house.


"It was very good of you to ask me, Lady Carbury;--very good."

"It was very good of you to ask me, Lady Carbury; very good.


Lady Carbury intimated her opinion that the goodness was all on the other side.


"And I came," continued Mr. Melmotte, "because I had something particular to say.

And I came because I had something particular to say.


Otherwise I don't go out much to evening parties.


Lady Carbury looked up into his face with all her eyes;--clasped both her hands together; and then, having unclasped them, put one upon his sleeve.

Lady Carbury looked up into his face with all her eyes, and clasped her hands together.


"My daughter, ma'am, is engaged to another man."


"You would not enslave her affections, Mr. Melmotte?"


"I won't give her a shilling if she marries any one else; that's all.

I won't give her a shilling if she marries anyone else; that's all.


You reminded me down at Caversham that your son is a Director at our Board."


"I have a great respect for your son, ma'am.


If he'll signify to my daughter that he withdraws from this offer of his, because I'm against it, I'll see that he does uncommon well in the city.

If he'll tell my daughter that he withdraws from his offer, I'll see that he does uncommon well in the city.


Then Mr. Melmotte took his departure without another word.

Then Mr. Melmotte departed without another word.