It may have been that this important truth was wrung from the great Proconsul before he realized its imminence. It was a period of considerable emotional stress just now, you must please remember.
“Do you suppose I did not realize that my life was not going to be altogether a bed of roses at first? But I am proud to say I was ambitious, and I can look all the world in the face and say I have never regretted my action. Our life together has been exceedingly harmonious; your mother is a most estimable and a thoroughly good woman; and I should have been guilty of the greatest error of my career had I allowed any infirmity of purpose to frustrate a union which has been so abundantly blessed by heaven.”
Seldom had the great Proconsul been moved so deeply.
“Let us beware, my dear boy, lest the weakening of fiber of the present generation does not undermine our Empire. Pray do not think for one single moment that you will ever regret a union with Adela Rocklaw. As for this other step, I assure you, my dear boy, it is unthinkable.”
Having thus unburdened his mind, the Proconsul rose, and, still the prey of deep emotion, swayed majestically forth of the Albany B4.
CHAPTER XVII
IN WHICH WE ARE TAKEN TO VIEW A LITTLE
FLAT IN KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Mr. Philip felt rather limp after the state visit.
“How happy I should be if I were not the son of my father!” was the somewhat unfilial tenor of his thoughts.
Still, he mustered the courage to take Mary out to lunch, but he didn’t refer to the recent interview with the Proconsul.
“When is your time up at the Lane, old girl?” inquired the vain young man.