"I have received intelligence that he is very low and wishes to see me. So, although it will be inconvenient for me to leave my business, I find it necessary to go."
"Perhaps you may be rewarded for going," suggested Mr. Manton.
"Yes, I have no reason to doubt that I shall be well remembered in my relative's will. I think that when I return there will be nothing to prevent my complying with the conditions you named, and that I may be able to claim your daughter's hand."
"Perhaps I may change my mind," said Clara, energetically; but she saw fit to devote herself to her suitor through the entire evening, displaying an affability and assumed interest which quite captivated him. The thoughts of her favor even drove away the memories of the dark deed which, as he fully believed, had consigned to a watery grave the boy who had been committed to his charge.
"There seems some chance of his story proving true," said Mr. Manton, when the two were alone.
"Yes, it may be. On that chance I've been trying to make myself agreeable to-night. He evidently thinks I'm dead in love with him. As if anybody could fancy such a stupid lout. I declare I wish it was somebody else who was going to get the money. The exertions I've made have quite wearied me," and fair Clara yawned excessively.
"If you think you can't like him, it is not too late to withdraw," said the father, who had a little more heart than his daughter.
"Oh, as to that, it isn't of much consequence," said Clara. "I haven't got much sentiment, and if he can show the cash, I'll marry him."
"I presume you won't throw away your fascinations upon him after marriage," said her father.
"You may be sure of that. He'll soon have a realizing sense of my motives in marrying him."