Hope came to him, and Bartley, who had in his hand some
drawings of the strata in the coal mine, handed the book to Hope, and
said, "I quite agree with you. That is the seam to follow: there's a
fortune in it."
"Then you are satisfied with me?"
"More than satisfied."
"I have something to ask in return."
"I am not likely to say no, my good friend," was the cordial reply.
"Thank you. Well, then, there is an attachment between Mary and young
Clifford."
Bartley was on his guard directly.
"Her happiness is at stake. That gives me a right to interfere, and say,
'be kind to her.'"
"Am I not kind to her? Was any parent ever kinder? But I must be wise as
well as kind. Colonel Clifford can disinherit his son."
At this point the young people ventured to peep and listen, taking
advantage of the circumstance that both Hope and Bartley were at some
distance, with their backs turned to the workshop.
So they both heard Hope say,
"Withdraw your personal opposition to the match, and the other difficulty
can be got over.
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