Now, at the age of forty-two, he could claim to be an authority on the Roman occupation of Britain, and especially on the conquests of Vespasian.

The circle of--the Westcotes' acquaintance gathered in the fine hall of Bayfield--or, as Narcissus preferred to call it, the atrium--drank tea, admired the pavement, listened to the alleged exploits of Vespasian, and wondered when the brothers would marry.

Time went on, repeating these assemblies; and the question became, Will they ever marry?
Apparently they had no thought of it, no idea that it was expected of them; and since they had both passed forty, the question might be taken as answered.

But that so personable a man as Endymion Westcote would let the family perish was monstrous to suppose.

He kept his good looks and his fresh complexion; even now some maiden would easily be found to answer his Olympian nod; and a vein of recklessness sometimes cropped up through his habitual caution, and kept his friends alert for surprises.