I hate saying this, St.
Ives; it looks like hitting a man when he's down, you know; and I
told the Major I very much disliked it from the first. However, it
had to be said; and now it has been, and, between gentlemen, it
shouldn't be necessary to refer to it again.'
'It's compromising; it doesn't lead to anything; not the kind of
man,' I repeated thoughtfully. 'Yes, I believe I understand, and
shall make haste to put myself en regle.' I stood up, and laid my
segar down. 'Mr. Gilchrist,' said I, with a bow, 'in answer to
your very natural observations, I beg to offer myself as a suitor
for your sister's hand. I am a man of title, of which we think
lightly in France, but of ancient lineage, which is everywhere
prized. I can display thirty-two quarterings without a blot. My
expectations are certainly above the average: I believe my uncle's
income averages about thirty thousand pounds, though I admit I was
not careful to inform myself. Put it anywhere between fifteen and
fifty thousand; it is certainly not less.'
'All this is very easy to say,' said Ronald, with a pitying smile.
'Unfortunately, these things are in the air.'
'Pardon me,--in Buckinghamshire,' said I, smiling.
'Well, what I mean is, my dear St. Ives, that you CAN'T PROVE
them,' he continued. 'They might just as well not be: do you
follow me? You can't bring us any third party to back you.
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