text:  Could it be possible that the whole of her splendid inheritance had shrunk to so paltry a sum that the grasping man had ceased to think it worth his while to touch it? or did the dread of beholding the confiding woman beggar'd at last induce him to leave at her disposal enough to purchase for her--necessary bread? Whatever was his motive he persisted in his resolution and to the end was faithful to his oath