There was silence for a moment, during which the elder man looked at the handsome face and graceful, stalwart figure of the younger one. Lord Blair was one of those men who look at their best in evening dress, and the earl could not help admiring him. Then he sighed.
"Have you thought over the words that passed between us this afternoon, Blair?" he asked.
"Well—I'm afraid I haven't," he admitted, frankly.
The earl frowned.
"And yet they were important ones—especially those which referred to your future, Blair. We have not seen much of each other—perhaps wisely——"
"I dare say," said Lord Blair, cheerfully. "People who can't agree are better apart, sir."
"But," continued the earl grimly, and not relishing the interruption, "but I would wish you to believe that I have your best interests at heart."
"Thank you, sir. I will take another glass of port."
"And in no surer way can these interests be promoted than by your marriage with Violet Graham."