"I will do exactly what you wish in the matter," said Glynn, anxious to soothe him, "and do my best to deserve the high confidence you place in me."
"Thank you, God bless you!" with a sigh of relief, laying his hand on Glynn's; "and you will lose no time about it. Mrs. Kellett shall call on you on Monday, and go with you to the brokers. The money is in Spanish bonds and Australian railways; it can be handed over to you with the stroke of a pen; but you know all that better than I do—ha, ha!" He laughed feebly. "I didn't know what a big boss you were when I wanted to make a match between my dear little girl and you."
"Miss Lambert deserves a better man than I am," said Glynn.
Lambert looked at him sharply. "There's one thing more, important enough, but not so pressing as the money. Do you know any lady that would be kind to Elsie, and look after her? she hasn't a lady friend in the world—those French women are no use. But mind, she must be strong, with either money or rank, and a resolute woman, who knows the world. Lord! it can't be easy to find a clever, well-placed, kindly woman."
"Far from it, yet not impossible. I will undertake to search for this rarity; but before I do I must know more. I cannot ask another to put the faith in you that I do."
"Fair enough, fair enough! Well, I'll tell you a lot in a few days; I daren't begin now, it would kill me."
"You must keep up your heart, Lambert, you must live for your daughter."
"Live for her! I'd serve her best by dying for her!"
"She would not think so."
"No," cried the sick man with a burst of emotion, sobs that shook his frame, and tears for which when stronger he would have blushed; "she loves me! she believes in me! and come what may, here or hereafter, nothing can rob me of the fourteen years of happiness and redemption she has given me. May God reward her."