“And why should you do anything else, at least in your leisure?” asked Goodhare, with apparent surprise. “Doesn’t every gentleman who goes in for a public career in any profession amuse himself so—among other ways, of course?”
Rees laughed rather bitterly.
“Gentlemen who go in for a public career have private means, Mr. Goodhare,” said he. “Everybody knows I have nothing——”
“But you are the eldest son?”
“And heir to my father’s liabilities; nothing else, I assure you.”
“But when you become Lady Marion’s husband—”
The lad started in astonishment. The idea had never occurred to him.
“Lady Marion’s husband!” he repeated, bewildered.
“Why, Mr. Pennant, you are very modest. Or don’t you wish it to be talked about so soon? If so, I really beg your pardon. But you must know that it has already become common talk—”
“It’s the first I’ve heard of it, though,” said Rees, dryly. “Lord St. Austell would never let me enter Llancader Castle again if I were to hint at such a thing.”