Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/187

Rh years’ time, if all went well, he would be received in the firm as junior partner.

“There’s only one little project I am sorry to give up, in connection with your affairs, Snowdon. If it had happened that your daughter had inherited the money, why shouldn’t I have had the honour of becoming your son-in-law?”

Joseph stared, then burst into hearty laughter.

“I tell you what,” he said, recovering himself, “why should you give up that idea? She’s as good a girl as you’ll ever come across, I can tell you that, my boy. There’s better-looking, but you won’t find many as modest and good-hearted. Just make her acquaintance, and tell me if I’ve deceived you. And look here, Scawthorne; by George, I’ll make a bargain with you! You say you’ll be a partner in three years. Marry Jane when that day comes, and I’ll give you a thousand for a wedding present. I mean it! What’s more, I’ll make my will on your marriage-day and leave everything I’ve got to you and her. There now!”

“What makes you so benevolent all at once?” inquired Scawthorne, blandly.