Are you thinking of reserving the prize for your own special benefit?
A penniless guardian--a rich ward; as a situation, it is perfect; full of possibilities." "Take care," says the professor, advancing a step or two.
"Tut! Do you think I can't see through your game ?" says Sir Hastings, in his most offensive way, which is nasty indeed.

"You hope to keep me unmarried.

You tell yourself, I can't live much longer, at the pace I'm going.

I know the old jargon--I have it by heart--given a year at the most the title and the heiress will both be yours! I can read you--I--" He breaks off to laugh sardonically, and the cough catching him, shakes him horribly.

"But, no, by heaven!" cries he.