I don't suppose there were for, of course, as long as I live the matter is of no importance.
"So that, as things stand now, if a Burmese bullet puts an end to my career, you are the next heir to the title." "You surprise me, indeed," Stanley said.

"From the way my father spoke of the matter, I am sure that he had not the slightest idea there was any likelihood, whatever, that he would have any chance of succeeding to the title." "That I can well imagine, for it was not until a few years ago, when the deaths of several who stood between him and the succession occurred, that my uncle regarded his coming into it as a matter worth thinking about; and of course all our family stood between it and your father.

However, as you see we have dwindled away and, if I do not get safely through this business, you are the next heir." "It is curious news to hear, at a dinner in Burma," Stanley said, thoughtfully.

"At any rate, I can assure you honestly that the news gives me no particular satisfaction.

I suppose it would be a nice thing, to come in for a peerage; but my prospects out here are good.