"Your Cousin George is coming on Saturday."
"So I heard Papa say."
"Your Papa gave him a sort of invitation when he was here last time, and so he has proposed himself."
"Why should not he? It seems very natural. He is the nearest relation we have got, and we all like him."
"I don't think your Papa does like him."
"I do."
"What I mean is your Papa doesn't approve of him. He goes to races, and bets, and all that kind of thing. And then your Papa thinks that he's over head and ears in debt."
"I don't know anything about his debts. As for his going to races, I believe he has given them up. I am sure he would if he were asked." Then there was a pause, for Lady Elizabeth hardly knew how to pronounce her caution. "Why shouldn't Papa pay his debts?"
"My dear!"
"Well, Mamma, why shouldn't he? And why shouldn't Papa let him have the property; I mean, leave it to him instead of to me?"