He was not going to quarrel with his only brother and
presumptive heir because he chose to marry a woman who was not to his
taste. So he shrugged his shoulders--having finished his shaving and his
reflections together--and determined to put the best possible face on
his disappointment.
"Well, George," he said to his brother at breakfast, "so you are going
to marry Lady Croston?"
Bottles looked up surprised. "Yes, Eustace," he answered, "if she will
marry me."
Sir Eustace glanced at him. "I thought the affair was settled," he said.
Bottles rubbed his big nose reflectively as he answered, "Well, no.
I don't think that marriage was mentioned. But I suppose she means to
marry me. In short, I don't see how she could mean anything else."
Sir Eustace breathed more freely, guessing what had taken place. So
there was as yet no actual engagement.
"When are you going to see her again?"
"To-morrow. She is engaged all to-day."
His brother took out a pocket-book and consulted it. "Then I am more
fortunate than you are," he said; "I have an appointment with Lady
Croston this evening after dinner. Don't look jealous, old fellow, it is
only about some executor's business. I think I told you that I am one
of her husband's executors, blessings on his memory.
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