"I don't tell Alice everything, Montrose. I accepted my small legacy and said nothing about the matter, as there was nothing to be done until you came. Now," Enistor fixed his dominating gaze on Douglas, "I ask you to let me have the money by deed of gift. In return you shall marry Alice."
"And what are we to live on?"
"I shall allow you five hundred a year."
"In return for five thousand." Montrose laughed at the boldness of the demand. "No, sir. I cannot do what you ask."
"Then you are a fortune-hunter after all," said the Squire bitterly.
"I am not!" Douglas sprang to his feet with the hot blood making red his cheeks. "So far as I am personally concerned I don't care for money, although I don't deny that I am glad my days of poverty are over. But this money has been given to me in trust to help others. I cannot be false to my trust."
Enistor waved his hand disdainfully. "That is only a young man's talk. Why should you help others? Let them look after themselves."
"I think differently. Dr. Eberstein has taught me differently."
"Dr. Eberstein," said the other with a sneer, "is a visionary. If you are to be my son-in-law you must allow me to advise you."