I am willing instantly to consent that my daughter shall become your nephew's wife; but I solemnly declare that I am poor,--frightfully poor!" "Come, come!" cried the merchant; "we knew long, long ago that you were mightily fond of your money; but when you marry your _only_ child you must open your heart and your purse, my dear sir, and portion her according to your means.

They say--pardon me for repeating it--that you are _a miser_; but what a shame it would be to let your only daughter leave your house unprovided for!" Poor De Vlierbeck writhed on his chair as Denecker poured forth his incredulous jokes.

"For God's sake, sir," cried he, "spare me these bitter remarks.

I declare, on the word of a gentleman, that I possess _nothing_ in the world!" "Well!" cried the merchant, taking no heed of his remarks, and with a mocking smile, "come; let us cipher the matter out on the table.

You suppose, perhaps, that I have come here to ask some great sacrifice of you: but no, De Vlierbeck, thank God, I have no occasion to be so close in my calculations.