Ernest looked up wonderingly.
“It is my most earnest desire that you should marry Dorothy.”
His listener started violently, turned quite pale, and opened his lips to speak. Mr. Cardus lifted his hand and went on:
“Remember what I asked you. Pray say nothing; only listen. Of course I cannot force you into this or any other marriage. I can only beg you to give heed to my wishes, knowing that they will in every way prove to your advantage. That girl has a heart of gold; and if you marry her you shall inherit nearly all my fortune, which is now very large. I have observed that you have lately been about a great deal with Eva Ceswick. She is a handsome woman, and very likely has taken some hold upon your fancy. I warn you that any entanglement in that direction would be most disagreeable to
