There is no doubt, I suppose, that he could afford it ?" "My father never in his life said anything to me about his own money affairs, though he says a great deal about mine.

No man ever was closer than my father.

But I believe that he could afford almost anything." "I wish I had such a father," said Ferdinand Lopez.

"I think that I should succeed in ascertaining the extent of his capabilities, and in making some use of them too." Wharton nearly asked his friend,--almost summoned courage to ask him,--whether his father had done much for him.

They were very intimate; and on one subject, in which Lopez was much interested, their confidence had been very close.