“Say adhere, my child.”
“Yes, auntie.”
“Always bear in mind what a great future you have before you. Some day—I sincerely hope that day is far distant—your dear grandfather must pass away, and then think of your future and the position you must hold. A title and a princely income.”
“Oh, yes; I often think of it all, auntie. I say, though, I wish the chaps wouldn’t be quite so fond of chaffing a fellow about the old guv’nor buying his title.”
“He did not buy it, Sydney, my dear,” said Lady Lisle, with a faint colour coming into her cheeks.
“Didn’t he, auntie? They say so.”
“The truth of the matter is, my dear, that the party—”
“Good old party!” said the “dear boy” to himself.
“The party was pressed for money to carry on the Parliamentary warfare, and, with your dear grandpapa’s noble generosity, he placed his purse at the party’s disposal.”
“Keeps it pretty close when I want a few dibs,” said the “dear boy” to himself.