He fetters his son-in-law with the most
binding document the law can produce, and employs with the husband of
his own child the same precautions which he would use if he were dealing
with a stranger and a rogue. I call such conduct as this inconsistent
and unbecoming in the last degree. You will not find it my course of
conduct, Mr. Vanstone--you will not find me preaching what I don't
practice. If I trust you with my niece, I trust you with every inferior
responsibility toward her and toward me. Give me your hand, sir; tell
me, on your word of honor, that you will provide for your wife as
becomes her position and your means, and the question of settlements is
decided between us from this moment at once and forever!" Having carried
out Magdalen's instructions in this lofty tone, he threw open his
respectable frockcoat, and sat with head erect and hand extended, the
model of parental feeling and the picture of human integrity.
For one moment Noel Vanstone remained literally petrified by
astonishment. The next, he started from his chair and wrung the hand of
his magnanimous friend in a perfect transport of admiration. Never yet,
throughout his long and varied career, had Captain Wragge felt such
difficulty in keeping his countenance as he felt now.
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