Were you thinking of him as your heir ?" "No, not exactly," replied Lord Cairnforth, slightly coloring.

"He is a little too old.

Besides, he is not quite the sort of person I should wish--too gentle and self-absorbed--too little practical." "One of his sons, perhaps ?" "No, nor one of yours either; to whom, by the way you will please to set down a thousand pounds apiece.

Nay, don't look so horrified; it will not harm them.

But personally I do not know them, nor they me.