Only I must make one positive condition. I have nothing to
give my child during my lifetime; but one thing I have done for her;
years ago I insured my life for six thousand pounds; and you must do the
same. I will not have her thrown on the world a widow, with a child or
two, perhaps, to support, and not a farthing; you know the insecurity of
mortal life."
"I do! I do! Why, of course I will insure my life, and pay the annual
premium out of my little capital, until income flows in."
"Will you hand me over a sum sufficient to pay that premium for five
years?"
"With pleasure."
"Then I fear," said the old gentleman, with a sigh, "my opposition to
the match must cease here. I still recommend you to wait; but--there! I
might just as well advise fire and tow to live neighbors and keep cool."
To show the injustice of this simile, Christopher Staines started up
with his eyes all aglow, and cried out, rapturously, "Oh, sir, may I
tell her?"
"Yes, you may tell her," said Lusignan, with a smile. "Stop--what are
you going to tell her?"
"That you consent, sir. God bless you! God bless you! Oh!"
"Yes, but that I advise you to wait."
"I'll tell her all," said Staines, and rushed out even as he spoke, and
upset a heavy chair with a loud thud.
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