'In shares, if you like, in one of the most promising of all ventures.'
'In Ophir—no, thank you.'
'You are a fool to refuse them. Why, man! have you read the "Cornucopia"? Have you seen the prospectus of the company?'
'Mr. Trampleasure, I will have no paper at all. Give me with Orange the sum of five thousand down, and insure me five thousand more when you are dead, and I will ask her to name the day.'
'You are mercenary.'
'I am practical. You know that Trecarrel will support a bachelor—that is, keep him in mutton chops and fried potatoes, and a new coat twice a year. I will give you a sample of my penury. Whenever I have apple-tart for dinner, I think twice before I indulge myself with clotted cream over it. My circumstances will not allow me to support a wife and family. I am bound to look ahead, and to consider my wife's interest as well as my own. I cannot offer her the humiliations of poverty.'
'Well, well,' said Tramplara, 'you shall have the money down.'
'Your word?'
Tramplara held out his hand, 'I give it you.'
'I should prefer it in black and white,' said the Captain.