Sir Felix was beginning to think that he might have told the truth with discretion.  ’I don’t quite know how it would be.  I have always understood that I am the heir.  It’s not very likely that he will marry.’

‘And in the meantime what is your own property?’

’My father left me money in the funds and in railway stock,—­and then I am my mother’s heir.’

’You have done me the honour of telling me that you wish to marry my daughter.’

‘Certainly.’

’Would you then object to inform me the amount and nature of the income on which you intend to support your establishment as a married man?  I fancy that the position you assume justifies the question on my part.&rsquo...