CHAPTER XXVI It would seem that this marriage was to cause sad feelings to more households than one; for not many days after Carrie and Sebastian had settled matters after this sad fashion, Phil and his father also came to an understanding on the same point. ‘Philip,’ said his father, ‘I wish you would get married one of these days; ’tis a good thing for a young man to marry early: it settles him for life.’ Far from wishing Philip to marry, there was nothing his father was less anxious for; but he thought this a skilful way in which to discover whether his son still hankered after Caroline Shepley—a direct question was the last method ever employed by Richard Meadowes. He was therefore not a little taken aback at Phil’s reply: ‘Well, sir, that is exactly what I intend to do, if so be you will make me a sufficient settlement to marry upon.’ ‘And—the lady?’ asked Meadowes. He looked down as he spoke, and twirled the ring he wore round and round upon his finger. ‘Is Caroline Shepley, as you cannot doubt, sir.’ ‘Caroline Shepley! I thought, Phil, you had forgot all that nonsense long ago. Let me see: two years ago, is it not, since you first saw her? And since then you have not seen much of her, unless I mistake strangely.’ ‘Nothing. I promised her father to see nothing of her for two years.’ ‘You saw—Sebastian Shepley?’ ‘Yes, sir.’ ‘And have you had no communication with his daughter since?’ ‘I as good as promised him, sir; and I am in the habit of keeping my promises.’ ‘Of course—of course,’ said Meadowes hurriedly; ‘but in two years’ time that handsome young woman must have found plenty other men to adore her charms. You make too sure of yourself, Phil, if you suppose she hath waited these two years.’ ‘I do not fear that I shall find myself supplanted,’ said Phil. ‘And should she think of you, are you in earnest in your intention of marrying her?’ ‘More in earnest than ever before in life.’ ‘You cannot expect me to provide you with the means for a marriage of which I disapprove?’ Philip leaned forward, fixing his bright eyes on his father’s face. He held him captive while he spoke.