Touchett, listening very attentively
but a little confusedly.
"You tell me I shall have money enough for two. What I want is
that you should kindly relieve me of my superfluity and make it over
to Isabel. Divide my inheritance into two equal halves and give her
the second."
"To do what she likes with?"
"Absolutely what she likes."
"And without an equivalent?"
"What equivalent could there be?"
"The one I've already mentioned."
"Her marrying- some one or other? It's just to do away with anything
of that sort that I make my suggestion. If she has an easy income
she'll never have to marry for a support. That's what I want cannily
to prevent. She wishes to be free, and your bequest will make her
free."
"Well, you seem to have thought it out," said Mr. Touchett. "But I
don't see why you appeal to me. The money will be yours, and you can
easily give it to her yourself."
Ralph openly stared. "Ah, dear father, I can't offer Isabel money!"
The old man gave a groan. "Don't tell me you're not in love with
her! Do you want me to have the credit of it?"
"Entirely. I should like it simply to be a clause in your will,
without the slightest reference to me.
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