The Captain released the tips of Mirelle's fingers which he had seized when he put the question.
'Then Tramplara has the entire and uncontrolled disposal of the money for five years, and if you were to marry now you would still have to wait five years till you got it—if you got it, in the end, at all.'
'I suppose so.'
'Do you happen to know what the old fellow has invested your money in? I ask as a friend, because I wish to protect your interests, and to advise you what you should do.'
'I have already had an adviser here—Mr. Herring: he was anxious about the money.'
'He was, was he?' Captain Trecarrel drew nearer, with revived interest, and again attempted to possess himself of the hand, but failed.
'Yes, he appeared very anxious.'
'On what grounds? What possible right had he to inquire about it?'
'He expressed friendly regard for me.'
'A sort of brotherly interest?' inquired the Captain.