“She has been guided by me in all matters relating to her estate, and will be in this, I am convinced.  But here’s another question, sir, which, while we are about business, might be discussed with advantage.  My rule here is nearly at an end.  Have you decided who shall govern the estate when I am gone?”

“Only that when I have authority that rascal Simon shall be turned from his office, neck and crop.  He loves me as little as he loves his mistress, that he would set us by the ears for his own advantage.”

“An honest man, nevertheless—­in his peculiar way,” observes the Don.

“Honest!” cries Mr. Godwin, hotly.  “He honest who would have suffered Judith to die in Barbary!  He shall go.”

“Then you will take in your own hands the control of your joint estate?”

“I?  Why, I know no more of such matters than the man in the moon.”

“With all respect to your cousin’s abilities, I cannot think her qualified for this office.”

“Surely another steward can be found.”

“Undoubtedly,” says I.  “But surely, sir, you’d not trust all to him without some supervision.  Large sums of money must pass through his hands, and this must prove a great temptation to dishonest practices.  ’Twould not be fair to any man.”

“This is true,” says he.  “And yet from natural disinclination, ignorance, and other reasons, I would keep out of it.”  Then after some reflection he adds, “My cousin has told me how you have lost all your fortune in saving her, and that ’tis not yet possible to repay you.  May I ask, sir, without offence, if you have any occupation for your time when you leave us?”

“I went to London when I left you to see what might be done; but a merchant without money is like a carpenter without tools.”

“Then, sir, till your debt is discharged, or you can find some more pleasant and profitable engagement, would you not consent to govern these affairs?  I do not ask you to stay here, though assuredly you will ever be a welcome guest; but if you would have one of the houses on the estate or come hither from time to time as it might fit your other purposes, and take this office as a matter of business, I should regard it as a most generous, friendly kindness on your part.”

I promised him with some demur, and yet with the civility his offer demanded, to consider of this; and so our debate ended, and I went to bed, very well content with myself, for thus will vanity blind us to our faults.

CHAPTER XXIV.

I overcome Moll’s honest compunctions, lay hold of three thousand pounds more, and do otherwise play the part of rascal to perfection.