'What the devil's that to do with you? One can't marry all of 'em.'
'But you can marry one of them. Have you done that?' There came no answer from the bed. 'I would point out to your lordship that you are in a somewhat serious condition. Should anything happen to your lordship----'
'I'm going to die.'
'We trust not: but should such a misfortune be in store for us, it is of still more importance that your affairs should be in order. I would remind you that what you have been doing during the last fifteen years is known only to yourself. Are you married?'
'Curse the women!'
Why, I wondered, could not the idiot answer No?
'If your lordship pleases. But that is not an answer to my question. You must be well aware that the fact of your having a wife, with issue, would materially alter your brother's position.'
'Let him have it all.'
'You wish Lord Reginald to inherit your whole estate, real and personal? Does that mean you're not married?'
'Foster, did you--ever know--me answer questions--when I didn't want to. I'm not--dead yet.'