'But when?'
'Immediately. I wouldn't tell you till I had arranged everything. I've had it in my mind for the last fortnight.'
'And how is it to be? Oh, Felix, I hope it may succeed.'
'It was your own idea, you know. We're going to;--where do you think?'
'How can I think?--Boulogne.'
'You say that just because Goldsheiner went there. That wouldn't have done at all for us. We're going to--New York.'
'To New York! But when will you be married?'
'There will be a clergyman on board. It's all fixed. I wouldn't go without telling you.'
'Oh; I wish you hadn't told me.'
'Come now;--that's kind. You don't mean to say it wasn't you that put me up to it. I've got to get my things ready.'
'Of course, if you tell me that you are going on a journey, I will have your clothes got ready for you. When do you start?'
'Wednesday afternoon.'
'For New York! We must get some things ready-made. Oh, Felix, how will it be if he does not forgive her?' He attempted to laugh. 'When I spoke of such a thing as possible he had not sworn then that he would never give her a shilling.'
'They always say that.'
'You are going to risk it?'
'I am going to take your advice.' This was dreadful to the poor mother. 'There is money settled on her.'
'Settled on whom?'
'On Marie;--money which he can't get back again.'
'How much?'
'She doesn't know,--but a great deal; enough for them all to live upon if things went amiss with them.'
'But that's only a form, Felix. That money can't be her own, to give to her husband.'
'Melmotte will find that it is, unless he comes to terms. That's the pull we've got over him. Marie knows what she's about. She's a great deal sharper than any one would take her to be. What can you do for me about money, mother?'
'I have none, Felix.'
'I thought you'd be sure to help me, as you wanted me so much to do it.'
'That's not true, Felix. I didn't want you to do it. Oh, I am so sorry that that word ever passed my mouth! I have no money. There isn't £20 at the bank altogether.'
'They would let you overdraw for £50 or £60.'
'I will not do it. I will not starve myself and Hetta. You had ever so much money only lately. I will get some things for you, and pay for them as I can if you cannot pay for them after your marriage;--but I have not money to give you.'