His objects in doing this and his aspirations in regard to a seat in Parliament were all made known to his future wife,--but he said not a word on the subject to her father; and she, acting under his instructions, was equally reticent.

"He will get to know me in time," he said to her, "and his manner will be softened towards me.

But till that time shall come, I can hardly expect him to take a real interest in my welfare." When Lopez left London not a word had been said between him and his father-in-law as to money.

Mr.Wharton was content with such silence, not wishing to make any promise as to immediate income from himself, pretending to look at the matter as though he should say that, as his daughter had made for herself her own bed, she must lie on it, such as it might be.

And this silence certainly suited Ferdinand Lopez at the time.