"You don't often find them too charming, Fan!"
"Don't be a fool, Tom," she replied curtly, coming to sit beside him. "You know quite well what I mean. Young men of that sort always are in debt; besides, I've heard the old man say something about money for a majority. Now the estate's entailed, so payments of that sort must come out of what I mean to be mine--and I won't have it!"
"Sound common sense, Fan," said her companion, yawning; "but you are always in such a hurry to begin. Wait a few days and see how the land lies first. You've always the best of weapons in your hand."
"What's that?"
"Jealousy. The old man is as jealous as old boots. Once make him fancy young Marmaduke is sweet on you, and he goes to the right-about."
Fantine sat back and laughed.
"You are always so comforting, Tom."
He rose and put down his paper.
"Always ready to help, my dear; but you remember our compact--half shares when the old man dies."
"He'll be good for another ten years if I marry him," she called after her late companion, as he strolled out of the room.