Richard had told her how the matter stood; protested that he could get the money; and argued that when that was done, her father could have no excuse for forbidding his suit.  But she knew the old man better than he, and trembled.

On the fifth day Richard received a letter, inclosing a check for two thousand pounds upon a London bank, from his mother, and, with an air of quiet triumph, showed it to his host.

“That is worth nothing here,” observed Trevethick, coldly; “for all I know, the bank may not exist, or she may have no account there.”  But it was plain he was surprised, and disappointed.

“Notice has been sent to Plymouth, as I am here informed,” said Richard; “so that I can get the check changed there, if you are still dissatisfied; which, you must pardon me for saying, I do not think you really are.  Come, take my hand, and allow that you have behaved ungenerously.  You’re a man of your word, I know.  This proves to you I am at least no pauper.  I claim the right which you agreed to grant on that condition, to ask your daughter’s hand, and demand of you to leave her, at all events, to grant it if she pleases.  I affirm, once more, the truth of all that I have told you as regards myself.  I am Carew’s only son, begotten in lawful wedlock.  He will acknowledge as much himself some day, even though he should delay it to his dying hour.  If ever I come to possess it (and I think I shall), Wheal Danes shall be yours, without the payment of a shilling.  Even now, I do not offer myself empty-handed.  This is the sum that you yourself agreed I should show myself possessed of; but there is more where this comes from.  I ask again, then, give me my fair chance with Harry:  let her choose between me and this man Coe.”

This was a wily speech; for Richard was recapitulating the very arguments which were presenting themselves to the old man’s mind.  True, he had promised his daughter to Solomon, and would much rather have had him for a son-in-law; but there were unquestionably great advantages in the position of this other claimant.  Trevethick was not quite the slave to gratitude which he had professed himself to be, with respect to Coe’s father.  He did feel sincerely grateful; but he had himself exaggerated the feeling, with the very intention of making Harry understand that her fate was fixed.  He had not been blind to the fact, that from the first she had never regarded “Sol” with favor as a suitor, and it was still possible to break off the match without disgrace, upon the ground of her disinclination to it.  Above all, perhaps, he was actuated by the apprehension that Richard, if refused a hearing, would disclose the secret of Wheal Danes, and wreck the scheme upon which his heart had been set for near half a century.  One word from him would divert the unsuspected wealth, over which he had so long gloated in anticipation, into another’s hand.  But he did not like the young man better for the precious knowledge which he alone shared with him; far otherwise; he hated him for it, and, without being a murderer in his heart, would have gladly welcomed the news that his mouth was closed forever by death.