"Assuredly."
"Somehow our family seems to be made up of odd hundredths. You, for example, do not wish me to accept."
"I have said nothing to influence your choice."
"No, my dear Jack, you have not. Yet I know what you think, fast enough."
John picked up the letter again and folded it carefully.
"An estate in Ireland; a safe seat in the Irish Parliament; and money. Jack, that money might help to make many happy. Think of our mother, often without enough to eat; think of father's debts. He knows I would pay them," said Charles.
"And yet he has not tried to influence your choice."
"He's a Trojan, Jack; an old warhorse. You have cause to love him, for he loves you so much above all of us—and you know it—that, had the choice been offered you, he'd have moved heaven and earth to prevent your accepting a fortune."
He swung round, dropping his feet to the floor, and eyed his brother quizzically.
"Upon my word," he went on, "this thing annoys me. I've a mind to—"
Here he dived a hand into his breeches pocket and fished out a
shilling. "We'll settle it here and now, and you shall be witness.
Heads for Dangan Castle and Parliament House; tails for poverty!"