Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

4. CHAPTER IV: SAFE AGAINST LOVE-MAKING (continued)

'If you are quite sure of yourself'

'Do you mean sure of loving her? I am as sure of that as anything.'

'But men are so apt to change their fancies.'

'I don't know much about my fancies; but I don't often change my purpose when I'm in earnest. In such a matter as this I couldn't change. I'll say as much as that for myself, though it may seem bold.'

'Of course, in regard to money such a marriage would be advantageous to my child. I don't know whether you know it, but I shall have nothing to give her literally nothing.'

'All the better, sir, as far as I am concerned. I'm not one who wants to be saved from working by a wife's fortune.'

'But most men like to get something when they marry.'

'I want to get nothing nothing, that is, in the way of money. If Clara becomes my wife I'll never ask you for one shilling.'

'I hope her aunt will do something for her.' This the old man said in a wailing voice, as though the expression of such a hope was grievous to him.

'If she becomes my wife, Mrs Winterfield will be quite at liberty to leave her money elsewhere.' There were old causes of dislike between Mr Belton and Mrs Winterfield, and even now Mrs Winterfield was almost offended because Mr Belton was staying at Belton Castle.

'But all that is quite uncertain,' continued Mr Amedroz.

'And I have your leave to speak to Clara myself?'