There was a considerable doubt whether Marie was the daughter of that Jewish-looking woman.  Enquiries had been made, but not successfully, as to the date of the Melmotte marriage.  There was an idea abroad that Melmotte had got his first money with his wife, and had gotten it not very long ago.  Then other people said that Marie was not his daughter at all.  Altogether the mystery was rather pleasant as the money was certain.  Of the certainty of the money in daily use there could be no doubt.  There was the house.  There was the furniture.  There were the carriages, the horses, the servants with the livery coats and powdered heads, and the servants with the black coats and unpowdered heads.  There were the gems, and the presents, and all the nice things that money can buy. ...