"I shall be delighted to hear it."
"I get the money after my twenty-fifth birthday," said Natty, "and then I'll buy you all presents. Billy shall have a horse."
"And what will you give me?" asked Jenny.
"A husband," replied Natty. "And you, Miss Starth?"
"I'll have a husband also," said Mildred, frivolously, and then was sorry when she said it, recalling Natty's attentions. Jarman also was annoyed, and addressed himself to the young man.
"You must first catch your hare," he said gravely. "And I suppose your guardian, Captain Berry, will have to be consulted."
"No, I guess not. His control ceases when I get the dollars."
"On your twenty-fifth birthday?"
"_After_ my twenty-fifth birthday. I can't say how long!"
Jarman said no more, being afraid to press his inquiries. Natty was a babbling fool; still, it was not wise to arouse his suspicions. He might mention them to Captain Berry and Fan, when there would probably be trouble. And Jarman wished that estimable couple to look upon him as one wholly unconcerned in their shady doings. By assuring them of his lack of interest he hoped to throw them off their guard.