Casaubon put the case was this:⁠—“In marrying Dorothea Brooke I had to care for her well-being in case of my death. But well-being is not to be secured by ample, independent possession of property; on the contrary, occasions might arise in which such possession might expose her to the more danger. She is ready prey to any man who knows how to play adroitly either on her affectionate ardor or her quixotic enthusiasm; and a man stands by with that very intention in his mind⁠—a man with no other principle than transient caprice, and who has a personal animosity towards me⁠—I am sure of it⁠—an animosity which is fed by the consciousness of his ingratitude, and which he has constantly vented in ridicule of which I am as well assured as if I had heard it. Even if I live I shall not be without uneasiness as to what he may attempt through indirect influence. This man has gained Dorothea’s ear: he has fascinated her attention; he has evidently tried to impress her mind with the notion that he has claims beyond anything I have done for him. If I die⁠—and he is waiting here on the watch for that⁠—he will persuade her to marry him. That would be calamity for her and success for him. She