Now I do not want to interfere,
Oswald, and of course the less so, because Violet's money will to
a great degree restore the inroads which have been made upon the
property."
"It will more than restore them altogether."
"Not if her estate be settled on a second son, Oswald, and I hear
from Lady Baldock that that is the wish of her relations."
"She shall have her own way,--as she ought. What that way is I do not
know. I have not even asked about it. She asked me, and I told her to
speak to you."
"Of course I should wish it to go with the family property. Of course
that would be best."
"She shall have her own way,--as far as I am concerned."
"But it is not about that, Oswald, that I would speak. What are your
plans of life when you are married?"
"Plans of life?"
"Yes;--plans of life. I suppose you have some plans. I suppose you
mean to apply yourself to some useful occupation?"
"I don't know really, sir, that I am of much use for any purpose."
Lord Chiltern laughed as he said this, but did not laugh pleasantly.
"You would not be a drone in the hive always?"
"As far as I can see, sir, we who call ourselves lords generally are
drones."
"I deny it," said the Earl, becoming quite energetic as he defended
his order. "I deny it utterly.
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