"The music went very well this afternoon, I think," she said. "Miss Colwyn was in very good voice. Do you not like her singing?"
"Yes, very much."
"The Watertons were asking me about her. And the Bevans. I fancy she will get several engagements. Poor girl, I hope she will."
Sir Philip threw away the end of his cigarette, and got up rather abruptly, Lady Ashley thought. Without a word he began to pace up and down the terrace, and finally, turning his back on her, he stared at the garden and the distant view, now faintly illumined by a rising moon, as if he had forgotten his mother's very existence. Lady Ashley was surprised. He usually treated her with such marked distinction that to appear for a moment unconscious of her presence was almost a slight. She was too dignified, however, to try to recall his attention, and she waited quietly until her son turned round again and suddenly faced her with an air of calm determination.
"Mother," he said, "I have something important to say."
"Well, Philip?"
"You have often said that you wanted me to marry."
"Yes, dearest, I do wish it."
"I also see the expediency of marriage. The woman whom I loved, who seemed to us as suitable as she is lovely, will not marry me. What shall I look for in my second choice? Character rather than fortune, health rather than beauty. This seems to me the wiser way."
"And love rather than expediency," said his mother quickly.