the fun I want, and all I'm likely to get, and so long as you're all
willing to have me around, I'm satisfied. There's always a lot to do
among the people in the village, one way and another, and I've a heap of
reading on, and what more does a fellow want?"

"You didn't always feel that way, Dick?"

"No. You see, at different times in life you want different kinds of
pleasures. I've had a good many kinds, and the present kind is about as
satisfactory as any."

"But, Dick, you ought to get married. You've got coin, you've got sense,
you're a bit distinguished-looking, and I'll back your heart against a
thousand bishops. You've never been in danger of making a fool of
yourself as I have. Why didn't you--why don't you--get married?"

Richard patted his brother's shoulder.

"Married, boy? Married? I've got too much on my hands. I've got to
bring you up yet. And when that's done I shall have to write a book
called 'How to bring up a Parent.' Then I've got to help bring your boy
up, as I've done these last three years and more. I've got to think of
that boy for a long while yet, for I know him better than you do, and I
shall need some of my coin to carry out my plans."

"God bless you, Dick! Bring me up as you will, only bring her along too;
and as for the boy, you're far more his father than I am. And mother
says that it's you that's given me the wife I've got now--so what can I
say?--what can I say?"