But those golden coins would make a dowry for his sister that many a high-born dame might envy.

A flush came into his cheek as he thought of Philip's eager words overheard by him.
If Petronella was the mistress of a fair fortune, why should any forbid them to be wed?
Martin liked the lad none the less that his first thought was for his sister.

But for the present Petronella was beneath her father's roof, and could not be benefited thereby.

Still, it would be something for Cuthbert to know, and to look forward to in the future, and therein he rejoiced.
The chest was carefully restored to its hiding place and securely locked away, and then the kindly uncle took from his own pocket a small purse and put it into the reluctant hands of the lad.
"Nay, nay, thou must not be proud, boy; though I like thee none the less for thy pride and thine independence of spirit.

But thou must not be penniless as thou goest about this city; and if one uncle gave thee gold, why not another?
So no more words about it.