The young Lord Nidderdale, the eldest son of the Marquis of Auld Reekie, had offered to take the girl and make her Marchioness in the process of time for half a million down.

Melmotte had not objected to the sum,--so it was said,--but had proposed to tie it up.

Nidderdale had desired to have it free in his own grasp, and would not move on any other terms.

Melmotte had been anxious to secure the Marquis,--very anxious to secure the Marchioness; for at that time terms had not been made with the Duchess; but at last he had lost his temper, and had asked his lordship's lawyer whether it was likely that he would entrust such a sum of money to such a man.

'You are willing to trust your only child to him,' said the lawyer.