However, I hadn't meant to say anything about this to-night.

Your mentioning the girl put it into my head.
I want you, of course, to know that I am not forgetful of my responsibilities.

Your two thousand a year may do you very well as a bachelor, but you are heir apparent to the title now, and if you should think of marrying, the Fakenham estates are yours, and the house.

They bring in between six and seven thousand a year, I think,--never less." "It's very good of you, Ralph,--" I began.
"It's nothing of the sort," he answered.

"It's your rightful position.
The Fakenham estates have been held by the heir apparent for generations.