"We were talking of settlements," he resumed. "I have already mentioned,
Mr. Vanstone, at an early period of our conversation, that my niece
presents the man of her choice with no other dowry than the most
inestimable of all gifts--the gift of herself. This circumstance,
however (as you are no doubt aware), does not disentitle me to make the
customary stipulations with her future husband. According to the usual
course in this matter, my lawyer would see yours--consultations would
take place--delays would occur--strangers would be in possession of
your intentions--and Mrs. Lecount would, sooner or later, arrive at that
knowledge of the truth which you are anxious to keep from her. Do you
agree with me so far?"
Unutterable apprehension closed Noel Vanstone's lips. He could only
reply by an inclination of the head.
"Very good," said the captain. "Now, sir, you may possibly have observed
that I am a man of a very original turn of mind. If I have not hitherto
struck you in that light, it may then be necessary to mention that there
are some subjects on which I persist in thinking for myself. The subject
of marriage settlements is one of them. What, let me ask you, does a
parent or guardian in my present condition usually do? After having
trusted the man whom he has chosen for his son-in-law with the sacred
deposit of a woman's happiness, he turns round on that man, and declines
to trust him with the infinitely inferior responsibility of providing
for her pecuniary future.
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