without the smallest hesitation.
But he was yet unknown to fame; he was at variance with his father, and
he could scarcely bring Sylvia to share his bitter poverty--which might
grow still more bitter in that cold and cheerless garret.

Then there was another thing to consider. Paul had written to his father
explaining the circumstances of his engagement to Sylvia, and asking
for the paternal blessing. To gain this, he mentioned that his promised
wife had five thousand a year. Bully and tyrant as Beecot senior was, he
loved money, and although well off, was always on the alert to have more
brought into the family. With the bribe of a wealthy wife, Paul had
little doubt but what the breach would be healed, and Sylvia welcomed as
the sweetest and most desirable daughter-in-law in the world. Then Paul
fancied the girl would be able to subdue with her gentle ways the
stubborn heart of his father, and would also be able to make Mrs. Beecot
happy. Indeed, he had received a letter from his mother congratulating
him on his wealthy match, for the good lady wished to see Paul
independent of the domestic tyrant. Also Mrs. Beecot had made many
inquiries about Sylvia's goodness and beauty, and hoped that he had
chosen wisely, and hinted that no girl living was worthy of her son,
after the fashion of mothers. Paul had replied to this letter setting
forth his own unworthiness and Sylvia's perfections, and Mrs. Beecot had
accepted the good news with joy. But the letter written to Beecot senior
was yet unanswered, and Paul began to think that not even the chance of
having a rich daughter-in-law would prevail against the obstinacy of the
old gentleman.

But when he reached his garret, after that lonely and tormenting walk on
the Embankment, he found a letter from his father, and opened it with
some trepidation. It proved to contain joyful news. Mr. Beecot thanked
Heaven that Paul was not such a fool as he had been of yore, and hinted
that this sudden access of sense which had led him to engage himself to
a wealthy girl had come from his father and not from his mother.
He--Beecot senior--was aware that Paul had acted badly, and had not
remembered what was due to the best of fathers; but since he was
prepared to settle down with a rich wife, Beecot senior nobly forgave
the past and Paul's many delinquences (mentioned in detail) and would be
glad to welcome his daughter-in-law. Then Beecot, becoming the tyrant
again, insisted that the marri