But for all that, Robert, you were wrong, and
I have never yet in our conversations proposed any scheme which it was
not well within my power to carry out. I tell you in all sober earnest
that the amount of my income is limited only by my desire, and that all
the bankers and financiers combined could not furnish the sums which I
can put forward without an effort."
"I have had ample proof of your immense wealth," said Robert.
"And you are very naturally curious as to how that wealth was obtained.
Well, I can tell you one thing. The money is perfectly clean. I have
robbed no one, cheated no one, sweated no one, ground no one down in the
gaining of it. I can read your father's eye, Robert. I can see that he
has done me an injustice in this matter. Well, perhaps he is not to be
blamed. Perhaps I also might think uncharitable things if I were In his
place. But that is why I now give an explanation to you, Robert, and
not to him. You, at least, have trusted me, and you have a right,
before I become one of your family, to know all that I can tell you.
Laura also has trusted me, but I know well that she is content still to
trust me."
"I would not intrude upon your secrets, Mr. Haw," said Robert, "but of
course I cannot deny that I should be very proud and pleased if you
cared to confide them to me.
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