Nothing more was said upon the subject; the conversation fell into other channels. But, when the ladies had withdrawn, and Sir George was alone with his sons, he renewed it.
“Mind, George, I was not in jest when speaking of Charlotte Pain. It is getting time that you married.”
“Need a man think of marriage on this side thirty, sir?”
“Some men need not think of it on this side forty or on this side fifty, unless they choose to do so: your brother Thomas is one,” returned Sir George. “But they are those who know how to sow their wild oats without it.”
“I shall sow mine in good time,” said George, with a gay, half-conscious smile. “Thomas never had any to sow.”
“I wish you would settle the time and keep it, then,” was the marked rejoinder. “It might be better for you.”
“Settle the time for my marriage, do you mean, sir?”
“You know what I mean. But I suppose you do intend to marry some time, George?”
“I dare say I shall. It is a thing that comes to most of us as a matter of course; as measles or vaccination,” spoke irreverent George. “You mentioned Charlotte Pain, sir: I presume you have no urgent wish that my choice should fall upon her?”
“If I had, would you comply with it?”