"So does mother's head gentleman," said Edward laughing; "but man is the superior creature."
"I think co-operation is best. St. Francis never lauded it over his brothers."
"St. Francis!" said Lady Southbourne interrogatively, not being at all learned in saints.
"Yes; St. Francis of Assisi. It was one of my birthday presents, and I've read a lot of it already, but I can't quite see clearly yet how one is to imitate him!"
"Pray don't try, Miss Whitburn; you are much nicer as you are," said the Hon. Edward as Toney went off.
"She's charming and original, mother!" he said on his return to the drawing-room.
"She has fifty thousand a year; I have it on good authority," said his mother. "I do think, Edward, you couldn't do better!"
"The point is, could she? Money just melts in my hands."
"Yes; so it's most important you should settle down and retrench."
"On fifty thousand a year? I don't mind trying, Lady Mother."