"

"As what?" asked the father, turning upon the son with sharp angry
eyes, and with something of real animation in his face.

Gerard was very awkward in conveying his meaning to his father. "And
as," he continued,--"as it must come to me, I suppose, some day, and
it will be the proper sort of thing that we should live there then, I
thought that you would agree that if we went and lived there now it
would be a good sort of thing to do."

"That was your idea?"

"We talked it over with our friend, Lady Chiltern."

"Indeed! I am so much obliged to your friend, Lady Chiltern, for the
interest she takes in my affairs. Pray make my compliments to Lady
Chiltern, and tell her at the same time that, though no doubt I have
one foot in the grave, I should like to keep my house for the other
foot, though too probably I may never be able to drag it so far as
Maule Abbey."

"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. My doctor seems to think that I might linger on for a
year or two,--with great care."

"Father, you know I was thinking of nothing of the kind."

"We won't act the king and the prince any further, if you please.
The prince protested very well, and, if I remember right, the father
pretended to believe him. In my weak state you have rather upset me.
If you have no objection I would choose to be left to recover myself
a little."

"And is that all that you will say to