Where was Mary? Somehow it did not seem to be playing quite fair to leave him all this time to the tender mercies of Grandmamma. Full of mischief like the rest of ’em, thought the Braided Morning Coat. She knows all the time we are gettin’ it terrific; but instead of standin’ by us like a man and a brother, she retires to the basement to help Cook peel the potatoes for supper.
“I hope, ma’am,” said the miserable varlet, “your decision is not a final one.”
“I am afraid, Mr. Shelmerdine, that I can find no reason at present to think otherwise.”
“Well, ma’am, it’s hardly my fault that I may have to succeed my father.”
“Mr. Shelmerdine, I quite accept that statement.”
In the neck again, you silly blighter, snarled the Twin Brethren.
“I’d abdicate if I could, but I can’t, ma’am, accordin’ to the rules of the Constitution. My Governor says—”
“Mr. Shelmerdine, I fully appreciate the insurmountable nature of the barrier.”
“I shall have enough to keep a wife, ma’am, but if you feel that I ought to go into Parliament, I shall be only too pleased to see about it at once.”
Lady Macbeth appreciated the honorable nature of the proposal, which intensified her great regret. But even a seat in Parliament could not gloss over the fact that he was the son of his father.