"To marry. I understand. It is time, they think, for you to have sown your wild oats?"
"Precisely. I have liked my freedom, I confess. Now there are the strongest reasons why I should marry."
"To secure the succession, I suppose."
"We have surely a right to look to that!" said Lord Lydstone, rather haughtily.
"Oh! of course. Everyone is bound to look after his own. And the young lady—has she been found?"
Lord Lydstone coloured at this point-blank question.
"I have been long paying my addresses to Lady Grizel Banquo," he said.
"Oh! she is your choice? I have often seen her and you together."
"We have been friends almost from childhood; and it seems quite natural—"
"That you should tie yourself for life to a red-headed, raw-boned Scotch girl."