Miss Thane sighed. “Well, that is a pity. I had thought of the very person for you.”
“Let me beg you not to waste your time thinking of another! The matter is not urgent.”
She shook her head. “I cannot agree with you. After all, when one approaches middle age—”
“Middle—Has anyone ever boxed your ears, Miss Thane?”
“No, never,” said Miss Thane, looking blandly up at him.
“You have been undeservedly fortunate,” said Sir Tristram grimly. “We will, if you please, leave the subject of my marriage. I do not anticipate an immediate entry into wedlock.”
“Do you know,” said Miss Thane, with an air of candour, “I believe you are wise. You are not cut out for matrimony. Your faith in females was shattered by an unfortunate affair in your youth; your eyes were opened to the defects of the female character; you are—”
Sir Tristram looked thunderous. “Who told you this?” he snapped.
“Why, you did!”
“7?” he repeated.