"
"But you don't think of living there."
"My dear boy, if you will inquire among any friends you may happen
to know who understand the world better than Lady Chiltern seems
to do, they will tell you that a son should not suggest to his
father the abandonment of the family property, because the father
may--probably--soon--be conveniently got rid of under ground."
"There was no thought of such a thing," said Gerard.
"It isn't decent. I say that with all due deference to Lady
Chiltern's better judgment. It's not the kind of thing that men do.
I care less about it than most men, but even I object to such a
proposition when it is made so openly. No doubt I am old." This
assertion Mr. Maule made in a weak, quavering voice, which showed
that had his intention been that way turned in his youth, he might
probably have earned his bread on the stage.
"Nobody thought of your being old, sir."
"I shan't last long, of course. I am a poor feeble creature. But
while I do live, I should prefer not to be turned out of my own
house,--if Lady Chiltern could be induced to consent to such an
arrangement.
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