'An' that, mum, is just what he's above all sure and certain he won't do. I tell him, a man can't walk two ways to once; nor he can't serve two masters, even if one of 'em is himself, which that yellow-haired woman won't let come about. No, mum, he's certain sure he'll never leave the colonel, mum; that ain't his meaning.'
Esther went silently away, thinking many things. She was more amused than anything else, with the lightheartedness of youth; yet she recognised the fact that this change might introduce other changes. At any rate, it furnished an occasion for discussing several things with her father. As usual, when she wanted a serious talk with the colonel, she waited till the time when his attention would be turned from his book to his cup of tea.
'Papa,' she began, after the second cup was on its way, 'have you heard anything lately of Christopher's plans?'
'Christopher's plans? I did not know he had any plans,' said the colonel drily.
'He has, papa,' said Esther, divided between a desire to laugh and a feeling that after all there was something serious about the matter. 'Papa, Christopher has fallen in love.'
'Fallen in what?' shouted the colonel.
'Papa! please take it softly. Yes, papa, really; Christopher is going to be married.'
'He has not asked my consent.'
'No, sir, but you know—Christopher is of age,' said Esther, unable to maintain a gravity in any way corresponding to that on her father's face.
'Don't talk folly! What do you mean?'