"
This munificent offer surprised and delighted Severne, and, indeed, no
other man but Cousin George, who had a heart of gold, and was grateful to
Ned's father, and also loved the scamp himself, as everybody did, would
have made such an offer.
Our adventurer wrote, and closed with it, and gushed gratitude. Then he
asked himself how to get the money. Had he been married to Zoe, or not
thinking of her, he would have gone at once to Vizard, for the security
was ample. But in his present delicate situation this would not do. No;
he must be able to come and say, "My estate is small, but it is clear.
Here is a receipt for six thousand pounds' worth of mortgages I have paid
off. I am poor in land but rich in experience, regrets, and love. Be my
friend, and trust me with Zoe."
He turned and twisted it in his mind, and resolved on a bold course. He
would go to Homburg, and get that sum by hook or by crook out of Ina
Klosking's winnings. He took Fanny into his confidence; only he
substituted London for Homburg.
"And oh, Miss Dover," said he, "do not let me suffer by going away and
leaving a rival behind."
"Suffer by it!" said she.
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