"Well," said Andrew, "what is to be done?"
The problem was undoubtedly delicate. He had paid it the compliment of summoning his two sensible married sisters to aid him with their counsel; and even they, though not lacking in decision as a rule, regarded first the Colonel's letter and then their brother with disturbed and doubtful eyes. He gave them no hint of the dreadful and disreputable change in their father's very being; that was positively too shocking to confide even to a sister (besides, they wouldn't have believed him), but he considered that the essentials of the problem were now fairly grasped by them both, and he was pleased to find a sympathetic unanimity of horror.
"He can't be allowed to go on disgracing himself in London; that much is perfectly clear," said Mrs. Ramornie.
"Not to speak of ruining us all," added Andrew.
"Can you not go and fetch him home?" asked Mrs. Donaldson.
Andrew pursed his lips.
"In the first place, would he come? You know how infernally obstinate he can be. In the second place, do we want him making an exhibition of himself here?"
"He would not have quite the opportunities here."
"Not for spending money, I admit; but we don't want him taking the chair and making speeches at the W.S. dinner to-morrow night in his present condition."