"Warlock is really most liberal—that is, of course, for an Irish peerage."
"Most liberal, Wally," the Suffolk Colthurst chimed.
"Isn't October rather soon, Mater?" said Mr. Philip, beginning to shape like a tailor, at fence Number Two.
"The sooner, the better, we think."
"I agree with you, Agatha."
"Oh, but—" said the unfortunate heir.
The Governing Classes were to be butted no buts, however.
"Philip," said the good old Mater, "your father has been at the trouble to draw up an announcement for the Morning Post. It will be shown to Lord Warlock this evening, and with his sanction it will be sent to the editor by the first post to-morrow."
"I don't think I should trouble, Mater, if I were you," said the unhappy young man.
Now, that really was rather ineffectual, and sounded quite as much so as it appears.
"I think the announcement should be made at once," said Father. "Adela is a charming girl; you are a very lucky fellow; and you are to be envied. Philip, my dear boy, I congratulate you with all my heart."
S. of P. shook the heir to the barony warmly by the hand.
"Kiss me, dear Philip." And Mother offered the blonde, bland frontispiece.
