"Why, naturally—no." I was stunned, but I forced a laugh. "But it is funny. Why—I was nearer landing the prize than I supposed, wasn't I?—that is, if I had wanted to land it?"
"Um—yes; it was rather close. But in this world you'll find strong men often dissuading weak ones from action briefly meditated."
He gazed at me solemnly, portentously, critically.
"Yes," I said, trying to speak with careless ease; "one Lord gone, but there are others. Don't be too hard upon Strathay, though. He's not so bad. His estates are not heavily encumbered, and he's as likely now to wed a music hall singer as a daughter of the Beerage. Perhaps such a marriage as he might have offered is not the best in life, but it is something that women who love their daughters as well as you love yours are glad to arrange for them. I should have made Strathay a very decent wife—"
But at the word I stopped; something in the sound of it shattered my cool philosophy.
"Of course, of course," Uncle assented. Then after a pause he went on, hesitatingly:—
"Nelly, these are not matters for a man to discuss with you. Why don't you run in and talk with your aunt?"
I hadn't the least intention of calling, but I answered him according to his folly.
"I must, some time; but I'm so worried—"
"Ah, yes; those debts. Could you not, if you are determined not to come home to us, seek less expensive apartments? You know that for any wants in reason your aunt and I—"