"Well," cried he, impatiently, "what then?"
"I am willing to make over to you, as soon as I come of age, by deed, all interest that I may have in it—on one condition."
"Make over Wheal Danes to me by deed! What! at my own price?"
"For nothing; you shall have it for a free gift."
"But the condition? What is it that you want of me that is not money?"
"I want permission from you, Mr. Trevethick, to wed, that is—for I would not speak of love without your leave—to woo your daughter."
"To wed my daughter!" cried Trevethick, starting from his seat; "my
Harry!"
"I say provided that my suit is not displeasing to her," answered
Richard, not without a tremor in his voice, for the old man's face was
terrible to look upon. Hatred and Wrath were struggling there with
Avarice, and had the upper hand.
He rocked himself to and fro, then answered, in a stifled voice, "My daughter's hand is already promised, young man."
"It may be so, Mr. Trevethick, but not by her, I think; and that her heart has not been given to the man you have designed for her is certain. You may see that for yourself."