He wanted to inquire whether Fanny thought that her father would supply the sinews of matrimony.

Alfred's theory was that he undoubtedly would.

He was sure that a young woman of Fanny's calmness, intrepidity, and profound knowledge of the world would not propose immediate matrimony without seeing how the commissariat was to be supplied.

She has all her plans laid, of course, thought he--she is so talented and cool that 'tis all right, I dare say.

Of course she knows that I have nothing, and hope for nothing except from old Burt, and he's not sure for me, by any means.