All the goods he would ever have of his own, he had now;—­position, a title, and a handsome face.  Surely he could afford to risk something!  Even the ruins and wreck of such wealth as that displayed in Grosvenor Square would be better than the baronet’s present condition.  And then, though it was possible that old Melmotte should be ruined some day, there could be no doubt as to his present means; and would it not be probable that he would make hay while the sun shone by securing his daughter’s position?  She visited her son again on the next morning, which was Sunday, and again tried to persuade him to the marriage.  ’I think you should be content to run a little risk,’ she said.

Sir Felix had been unlucky at cards on...