"You're talking nonsense," cried Guy, impatiently. "The sober truth, I assure you."
There was silence for a few moments, and at last the silence was broken by Guy.
"If I thought you were in earnest----" he began slowly.
"Dead earnest," said Eustace.
"Then I suppose it will be best to accept your Quixotic offer."
"I'm glad you look at it in such a sensible light," retorted Gartney, with an air of great relief. "You agree with Guy, Alizon?"
She raised her eyes slowly to his face, and looked steadily at him before making her reply.
"Yes, I agree with Guy," she answered frankly.
"Then it's settled," said Eustace with a huge sigh. "I can't tell you how glad I am to escape being buried under this weight of wealth, like Tarpeia under the shields of the Sabines. An old illustration, is it not, but remarkably apt. You will be able to clear the mortgages off the Hall, Guy, and live there in a manner befitting the place. I will see my lawyers as soon as I return to England, so you will have no further trouble over the matter."
"And what about yourself?" asked Alizon, impulsively.