They would not be his, to be sure, but merely to have them under his control seemed pleasant.

So he said: "Friend Barclay, I should need time to consider that question.

Are you in a hurry ?" "I should like to get the money out of my possession.

I might lose it or have it stolen.

Besides, I don't want my wife to discover that I have it." "It might make her extravagant, perhaps," suggested the squire.
"No, I am not afraid of that; but I want some day to surprise her by letting her see that I am a richer man than she thinks." "Very judicious! Then no one knows that you have the money ?" "No one; I keep my business to myself." "You are a wise man.