of our family comes in, as you have been told, on his twenty-first
birthday, to two thousand pounds a year, which income you are now in
possession of. On his marriage that is increased to ten thousand a
year, with the possession of either Enton or Mangohfred. in the present
case you could take your choice, as I am perfectly indifferent which I
retain. That is all I wished to say. I thought it best for you to
understand the situation. Mr. Ascough will, at any time, put it into
legal shape for you."

"You speak of this--arrangement," Brooks said, slowly, "as though it
were a corroboration of the settlement upon the eldest son. This
scarcely seems possible. There can be no such provision legally."

"I scarcely see," Lord Arranmore said, wearily, "what that has to do
with it, The ten thousand pounds a year is, of course, not a legal
charge upon the estates. But from time immemorial it has been the
amount which has been the admitted portion of the eldest son upon
marriage. It is no gift from me. It is the income due to Lord Kingston
of Ross. If you wish for any future explanation I must really refer you
to Mr. Ascough. The discussion of business details is by no means a
favourite occupation of mine."

Brooks rose to his feet. His eyes were fixed steadily, almost longingly
upon Lord Arranmore's. His manner was not wholly free from nervousness.

"I am very much obliged to you, Lord Arranmore," he said. "I quite
understand that you are making me the offer of a princely settlement out
of the Arranmore estates to which I have no manner of claim. It is not
possible for me to accept it."

There was a moment's silence. A great clock in the corner ticked
noisily. A faint unusual colour stole into Lord Arranmore's cheeks.

"Accept it! I accord you no favour, I offer you no gift. The allowance
is, I repeat, one which every Lord Kingston has drawn upon his marriage.
Perhaps I have spoken before it was necessary. You may have had no
thoughts of anything of the sort?"

Brooks did not answer.

"I have noticed," Lord Arranmore continued in measured tones, "an
intimacy between you and Lady Sybil Caroom, which suggested the idea to
me. I look upon Lady Sybil as one of the most charming young
gentlewomen of our time, and admirably suited in all respects to the
position of the future Marchioness of Arranmore. I presume that as
head of the family I am within my rights in so far expressing my
opinion?"

"Marriage," Brooks said, huskily