Old Sir Andrew’s consultation with “his lady” was so far successful that Phillip and Fanny were soon on most excellent terms; but as she was “anything but a beauty,” even when assisted by paints, flowers, silks, and false hair, many gallants about town, of inquisitive turn of mind, were unable to imagine the reasons which had determined so good-looking a young man as Phillip Redgill to pay such strict court to her.
The truth was that Phillip wanted “money,” and was greatly embarrassed.
He even desired the match, hoping thus to draw heavily both on her father and his own!
But, although he pressed his suit with much ardour, the intended marriage was always postponed at Redgill, senior’s, request.
But if Mr. Phillip Redgill could withstand his losses and disappointments in his career of crime with so much equanimity of temper, and even propose to himself matrimony as a solace for all his losses, it was not so with Charley Warbeck.
When that young gentleman, full of repentance, had calmly reflected upon his perilous situation, he was filled with alarm, and trembled for the fate which must surely overtake him.
He attended the India House as usual, but day by day he became more deathly pale.
His limbs seemed to have lost all strength, and he moved to and fro with unsteady gait and aching heart.
As often as he approached the huge iron safe where, in a moment of madness, he had cleverly placed a packet of false notes in lieu of those he had lost, in order to lull suspicion for a time, he became dizzy from excitement, and could scarcely stand.
Remorse and shame were punishing him more fearfully than actual imprisonment could have done.