"You have had my congratulations," she said, "and I have only to repeat to begin with that you are a very lucky man."
George beamed and murmured his thanks.
"I don't hold with any of her nonsense about you being a hero, you know," she went on; "it's time enough to praise you when I've found that you're a good husband. And for my part I'm inclined to hope that you're a much more ordinary man, for I've no faith in heroes as husbands."
George coughed, and put his hat on the table.
"Before you marry," said Aunt Phœbe, practically, "it's just as well that you should know your prospects. If you have any idea of taking the Fairbrother fortune in your own hands, you'll be disappointed, for that is to remain entirely at the disposal of my niece, who is guided by me in her business affairs. I may as well say that I have some control over her and the property that will not be affected by her marriage. You need not fear that she will not be generous to you. Your position will be formally that of head of the firm; and, so far as income is concerned, nobody will guess that you are not the owner entirely."
"If it's all the same to you," said George, "I'd rather not hear any more on the subject."
"Indeed?" said Aunt Phœbe, coldly.
"I've got to call on a tailor at four o'clock, and it's now half-past three."
"This is a time to be serious," said Aunt Phœbe, severely.
"It isn't," said George; "it's a time to be married. That's quite enough for me just at present."