"And what should we cost you?"
"You are not thinking of that?" said he. "I will get you a house, if you like it better; but then you would have the trouble of a staff of servants. I think the Windsor would be much the easiest plan."
"You are in earnest!"
"In earnest!" he repeated in surprise. "Have you ever questioned it? You judge because you never saw me in earnest in anything before in my life."
"No, indeed," said Mrs. Barclay. "I always knew it was in you. What you wanted was only an object."
"What do you say to my plan?"
"I am afraid they would not come. There is the care of the old grandmother; they would not leave everything to their sister alone."
"Tempt them with pictures and music, and the opera."
"The opera! Philip, she would not go to a theatre, or anything theatrical, for any consideration. They are very strict on that point, and Sunday-keeping, and dancing. Do not speak to her of the opera."
"They are not so far wrong. I never saw a decent opera yet in my life."