The girl is well enough--and better still, she is very rich.

Did she tell you her name ?" "I did not ask her." "Where was your curiosity ?" "I wished very much to put the question, for I was anxious to know; but really, uncle, I had not the face to do it.

But you can tell me." "If she did not tell you herself, I am not going to betray her secret.
What use would the knowledge be to you ?" "It would be pleasant to know her name." My uncle looked hard at me; and something like a sarcastic smile passed over his lips.
"Boy, it would render you miserable." "In what way ?" "By leading you to neglect business, and by filling your head with hopes which could never be realized." "And why not ?" I demanded, rather fiercely.
"Young ladies in our days seldom commit matrimony with penniless clerks." This was said with a strong sneer.
"It may be so--and they are right not to involve themselves in misery.
I am penniless at present.

But that is no reason that I am always to remain so.

I am young, healthy, industrious, with a mind willing and able to work--why should I not make a fortune as others have done?
As my grandfather, for instance, did before me ?" "This is all true," said he, calmly, "and I admire your spirit, Geoffrey; but, nephew" (this was the first time I ever remember his calling me so), "there are other difficulties in the way of your making a high and wealthy alliance, of which you have no idea." I know not why--but a sudden tremor seized me as he said this.