But among those so belonging he did not recognise Paul Montague.

CHAPTER LXXIII — MARIE’S FORTUNE

When Marie Melmotte assured Sir Felix Carbury that her father had already endowed her with a large fortune which could not be taken from her without her own consent, she spoke no more than the truth.  She knew of the matter almost as little as it was possible that she should know.  As far as reticence on the subject was compatible with the object he had in view Melmotte had kept from her all knowledge of the details of the arrangement.  But it had been necessary when the thing was done to explain, or to pretend to explain, much; and Marie’s memory and also her intelligence had been strong beyond her father’s anticipation.  He was deriving a very considerable income from a...