“Time brooks no delay. We are, my dear, in a pretty devilish position. Thank God Angela realizes that. Rich husbands are not to be picked up every day, and it is essential that Angela marries a wealthy man, and that immediately.”
“But to marry a—a cowboy!”
“He may make the best of husbands. Titles are to be bought. I think I could arrange that. No, on the whole I think it is a perfectly happy arrangement for us—and for him. As Angela’s 83 husband he will have access to certain houses and clubs that otherwise would be closed to him.”
Lady Featherstone lapsed into gloomy silence.
“Claude was coming back to-night, too,” said Featherstone. “I don’t like the idea of that boy spending nights in Town. He’s getting blasé, and at times very out of hand. What business could he have in Town——?”
Voices drifted in through the open window. A few minutes later Jim came into the library. Lady Featherstone immediately departed.
“I’d like a word with you, Lord Featherstone.”
“Certainly. Take a seat.”
Jim sat heavily in the armchair which Featherstone offered.
“To come to the point right now—I’m in love with Angela, and we want to get hitched up—er—married.”