'Why?'
'Because she may become the prey of some needy fortune-hunter or enterprising scamp.'
Holcroft winced at the reply, though it was made casually and without the least design by Allan.
'But in marrying, Miss Raymond might perhaps be poor enough.'
'What paradox is this?' asked Holcroft, thoroughly interested, while Allan felt some disdain at discussing such matters with such a man.
'Yes, poor as a church mouse, unless—'
'Unless what?'
'She marries me,' replied Allan, who, with perhaps pardonable pique, only thought of provoking a man who had tried to rival him, and whom he deemed a needy and adventurous gambler.
This seemed only to corroborate what Holcroft had heard before, and gave him some occasion for thought.
'I have heard rumours of a family compact—a most fortunate one for you,' said he, smiling; 'but suppose you—excuse me for saying so—were to predecease her?'