Resolving therefore to take the earliest opportunity of bringing the negotiation to a close, he of course made it a business to inform Mr. John Martindale, with regular formality, of his intention of honoring Miss Sampson by conferring upon her the style and title of the Hon. Mrs. Martindale. To communicate a simple fact to a plain straight-forward man might seem a very easy task, but it was, at all events, to Mr. Philip, not a pleasant task. He anticipated unpleasant observations, and perhaps some allusion to Mr. Isaac Solomons, junior, of St. Mary Axe, and perhaps also some allusions to others of that nation; but still it was absolutely impossible to avoid mentioning the affair. Very soon, therefore, after Sir Gilbert had given his consent, or to speak more accurately, had expressed his approbation, and signified his satisfaction at the prospect of the marriage, Mr. Philip Martindale ventured one morning, when his cousin and he were together, and no one else in the apartment, to say in a somewhat subdued and sheepish manner:
"I think it proper for me to inform you, sir, that I have it in contemplation very shortly to enter into the married state."
"So I hear," replied the old gentleman; "the more fool you. But if you want money, Miss Sampson has abundance. What else there is to recommend her, I can't say. Where do you intend to live? I suppose now you would be glad to go back to the Abbey. You may, if you like."
"I feel myself greatly obliged, sir, by your kind offer; but I think that a smaller and less expensive house would be more suitable."
"Ay, I think so too. I was a fool to build the house. I am only laughed at for my pains. Will you have Trimmerstone Hall fitted up for your reception? That will not be fine enough for you. Now, Mr. Philip, you know I am a strange old fellow, and rather addicted to the sin of curiosity; may I then take the liberty of asking how much the soap-boiler gives you to take his daughter. I mean how much does he place at your own actual immediate disposal. Is it a very great secret?"
Philip had no objection to answer the question, but he was hesitating as to what could be the motive of the old gentleman in making the inquiry. He very much feared that his cousin was too well acquainted with the purpose to which that money was devoted; and when he had answered the question, he found that his suspicions were well-founded. Most seriously was he overwhelmed with confusion, when, after he had mentioned to his cousin the sum which was to be at his own absolute disposal, Mr. Martindale hastily said:
"And pray, sir, how much of that is destined to go to the money-lenders to liquidate your gambling-debts?"