"I have reason to know that you might have either of them for the asking, and they are both good women without a breath against them, and, what in the state of this property is not without importance, very well to do.

Jane gets fifty thousand pounds down on the day of her marriage, and as much more, together with the place, upon old Lady Rose's death; while Miss Layard--if she is not quite to the manner born--has the interest in that great colliery and a rather sickly brother.

Lastly--and this is strange enough, considering how you treat them--they admire you, or at least Eliza does, for she told me she thought you the most interesting man she had ever met." "Did she indeed!" ejaculated Morris.

"Why, I have only spoken three times to her during the last year." "No doubt, my dear boy, that is why she thinks you interesting.

To her you are a mine of splendid possibilities.