“But if Gilbert decides against taking orders there’s Bigglethwaite. I’m sure Aunt Elgitha would rather have you there than anyone else—better even than Gilbert, I think.”
“We must not think of Bigglethwaite, Lina; might as well fix on Rosenhurst itself. Failing Gilbert, the earl has someone no doubt in view, but I believe that it will end in Gilbert’s taking orders.”
“But he will never be fit,” remonstrated Eva.
“That is a hard thing to say. I don’t suppose that he will find the Bar pay, but I would rather not hang about waiting for his determination. I will make up my mind before October.”
“And you don’t know whether to be a clergyman, a schoolmaster, or to try for the Civil Service.”
“That is exactly how matters stand, Dilecta, so you see I am more perplexed than Gilbert; his choice lies between two; I am distracted by three.”
“And in all probability an accident will decide at last.”
“Probably, if, indeed, there be such a thing as accident.”
“My mother would like you to be a clergyman, I think.”
“I think she would, and what would my sister prefer?”