You have, I think,
some trifle of money--a couple of thousands or so?"
"About a thousand or twelve hundred," said Richard, affecting the
indifference of his companion, but feeling privately humbled by the
scantiness of his resources.
"It is quite as much as you will find necessary for the outfit and
passage," said his adviser; "and, indeed, if you had not a farthing, it
would be the same thing; for if I once say to a friend, I'll help you,
Tom Hillary is not the man to start for fear of the cowries. However, it
is as well you have something of a capital of your own to begin upon."
"Yes," replied the proselyte. "I should not like to be a burden on any
one. I have some thoughts, to tell you the truth, to marry before I
leave Britain; and in that case, you know, cash will be necessary,
whether my wife goes out with us, or remains behind, till she hear how
luck goes with me. So, after all, I may have to borrow a few hundreds of
you."
"What the devil is that you say, Dick, about marrying and giving in
marriage?" replied his friend. "What can put it into the head of a
gallant young fellow like you, just rising twenty-one, and six feet high
on your stocking-soles, to make a slave of yourself for life? No, no,
Dick, that will never do. Remember the old song,
'Bachelor Bluff, bachelor Bluff,
Hey for a heart that is rugged and tough!'"
"Ay, ay, that sounds very well," replied Middlemas; "but then one must
shake off a number of old recollections.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125