his thorough knowledge of business, could not but see that there was
a great opening. Besides Tom, there were but two daughters, one of
whom was his own wife. Augusta, his wife, was, he thought, certainly
the favourite at the present moment. Sir Thomas could, indeed, say
rough things even to her; but then Sir Thomas was of his nature
rough. Now, at this time, the rough things said to Gertrude were
very much the rougher. In all these circumstances the wisdom of
interfering in Gertrude's little affairs was very clear to Mr.
Traffick. Gertrude would, of course, get herself married sooner or
later, and almost any other husband would obtain a larger portion
than that which would satisfy Batsby. Sir Thomas was now constantly
saying good things about Mr. Houston. Mr. Houston would be much more
objectionable than Captain Batsby,--much more likely to interfere.
He would require more money at once, and might possibly come forward
himself in the guise of a partner. Mr. Traffick saw his way clearly.
It was incumbent upon him to see that Gertrude should become Mrs.
Batsby with as little delay as possible.

But one thing he did not see. One thing he had failed to see since
his first introduction to the Tringle family. He had not seen the
peculiar nature of his father-in-law's foibles. He did not understand
either the weakness or the strength of Sir Thomas,--either the
softness or the hardness. Mr. Traffick himself was blessed with a
very hard skin. In the carrying out of a purpose there was nothing
which his skin was not sufficiently serviceable to endure. But Sir
Thomas, rough as he was, had but a thin skin;--a thin skin and a
soft heart. Had Houston and Gertrude persevered he would certainly
have given way. For Tom, in his misfortune, he would have made any
sacrifice. Though he had given the broadest hints which he had been
able to devise he had never as yet brought himself absolutely to turn
Traffick out of his house. When Ayala was sent away he still kept her
name in his will, and added also that of Lucy as soon as Lucy had
been entrusted to him. Had things gone a little more smoothly between
him and Hamel when they met,--had he not unluckily advised that all
the sculptor's grand designs should be sold by auction for what they
would fetch,--he would have put Hamel and Lucy upon their legs. He
was a soft-hearted man;--but there never was one less willing to
endure interference in his own affairs.

At the present moment he was