Sentence:  ... I have toiled on through eighteen years of wearisome adventure: crown'd with success, I now at length return, and find my daughter all my fondest hope could represent; but past experience makes me <WSD>provident</WSD>; I would secure my treasure; I would bestow it now in faithful hands—What say you, Sir, will you accept the charge? 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Possessing, exercising, or demonstrating great care and consideration for the future.