The one delusion--for it is no less than that--is as strange as the other." He drew himself up to his full magnificent height.
"I do not mean that it is not very natural she should be devoted to her son," he said with a tremendous air.
What he did mean was therefore uncertain, and again he changed the subject.
"There is a third thing," he said.

"This concerns you.

You are of the age when we Combers usually marry.

I should wish you to marry, Michael.
During this last year your mother has asked half a dozen girls down here, all of whom she and I consider perfectly suitable, and no doubt you have met more in London.

I should like to know definitely if you have considered the question, and if you have not, I ask you to set about it at once." Michael was suddenly aware that never for a moment had Sylvia been away from his mind.