e was something bold, grand, picturesque, and almost
beautiful in the battle which such a one as himself must wage with
the world before he could make his way up in it. He would not pick
a pocket, or turn a false card, or, as he thought, forge a name.
That which he did, and desired to do, took with him the name of
speculation. When he persuaded poor Sexty Parker to hazard his all,
knowing well that he induced the unfortunate man to believe what
was false, and to trust what was utterly untrustworthy, he did not
himself think that he was going beyond the lines of fair enterprise.
Now, in his marriage, he had in truth joined himself to real wealth.
Could he only command at once that which he thought ought to be his
wife's share of the lawyer's money, he did not doubt but that he
could make a rapid fortune. It would not do for him to seem to be
desirous of the money a day before the time;--but, when the time
should come, would not his wife help him in his great career? But
before she could do so she must be made to understand something of
the nature of that career, and of the need of such aid.

Of course there arose the question where they should live. But he was
ready with an immediate answer to this question. He had been to look
at a flat,--a set of rooms,--in the Belgrave Mansions, in Pimlico,
or Belgravia you ought more probably to call it. He proposed to take
them furnished till they could look about at their leisure and get a
house that should suit them. Would she like a flat? She would have
liked a cellar with him, and so she told him. Then they went to look
at the flat, and old Mr. Wharton condescended to go with them. Though
his heart was not in the business, still he thought that he was bound
to look after his daughter's comfort. "They are very handsome rooms,"
said Mr. Wharton, looking round upon the rather gorgeous furniture.

"Oh, Ferdinand, are they not too grand?" said Emily.

"Perhaps they are a little more than we quite want just at present,"
he said. "But I'll tell you, sir, just how it has happened. A man I
know wanted to let them for one year, just as they are, and offered
them to me for L450,--if I could pay the money in advance, at the
moment. And so I paid it."

"You have taken them, then?" said Mr. Wharton.

"Is it all settled?" said Emily, almost with disappointment.

"I have paid the money, and I have so far taken them. But it is by
no means settled. You have only to say you don't like them,