Of course I think no end of my sisters; but you see they are not young." "So I imagine," returned Malcolm, who was secretly disposed to agree with Cedric.

Two maiden ladies of uncertain age might be endeared to their brother; but Malcolm, who was rather fastidious on the subject of female beauty, was not over-anxious to cultivate their acquaintance.
"Dinah is much older than Elizabeth," continued Cedric confidentially.
"There were two or three brothers and sisters between them, only they died.

She is over forty, you know, and Elizabeth is nearly thirty.
There is a good bit of difference--only she never makes herself out young.

You will be sure to like them," went on the lad eagerly; "they are good women, and just your sort." "Oh, I daresay we shall get on first-rate," returned Malcolm mendaciously, for he was anything but certain of it.

"Hallo, old fellow," interrupting himself, "the storm is over and we can make tracks now." And then they went out together.
As they parted at the Temple station, Cedric pushed a little sealed packet into his friend's hand.
"It is the first instalment," he whispered, growing very red; "don't open it till you get back." But Malcolm's curiosity would not allow him to wait; and when Cedric had disappeared into the station he broke the seal.