"I don't see the slightest reason why he shouldn't live at Dunripple," continued Miss Marrable.
"Only that he would be dependent. I suppose he does not mean to sell out of the army altogether."
"At any rate, he may be backwards and forwards. You see, there is no chance of Sir Gregory's own son marrying."
"So they say."
"And his position would be really that of a younger brother in similar circumstances."
Mary paused a moment before she replied, and then she spoke out.
"Dear Aunt Sarah, what does all this mean? I know you are speaking at me, and yet I don't quite understand it. Everything between me and Captain Marrable is over. I have no possible means of influencing his life. If I were told to-morrow that he had given up the army and taken to living altogether at Dunripple, I should have no means of judging whether he had done well or ill. Indeed, I should have no right to judge."
"You must be glad that the family should be united."
"I am glad. Now, is that all?"
"I want you to bring yourself to think without regret of his probable marriage with this young lady."