have it.'

'No, Mr Gresham; I did not say that.'

'Well, you said what was as bad. Augusta is to be married in
September, and the money must be had. I have agreed to give Moffat six
thousand pounds, and he is to have the money down in hard cash.'

'Six thousand pounds,' said the doctor. 'Well, I suppose that is not
more than your daughter should have. But then, five times six are
thirty; thirty thousand pounds will be a large sum to make up.'

The father thought to himself that his younger girls were but children,
and that the trouble of arranging their marriage portions might well be
postponed a while. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.

'That Moffat is a gripping, hungry fellow,'said the squire. 'I suppose
Augusta likes him; and, as regards money, it is a good match.'

'If Miss Gresham loves him, that is everything. I am not in love with
him myself; but then, I am not a young lady.'

'The De Courcys are very fond of him. Lady de Courcy says that he is a
perfect gentleman, and thought very much of in London.'

'Oh! if Lady de Courcy says that, of course, it's all right,' said the
doctor, with a quiet sarcasm, that was altogether thrown away on the
squire.

The squire did not like any of the De Courcys; especially, he did not