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Rh quarrelling with me, "It's very hard," he said, "and I'm not sure that it's conscientiously friendly to let a little matter like this stand between me and my hopes of happiness."

"You see I'm unhappily placed between friendship and my sister's welfare."

Chelubai nodded: "But I don't see how you're going to get married yourself; you're in just the same position as I."

"Pardon me; nothing short of hanging can prevent me marrying anyone I want, for it's only being hanged that will stamp me as a practical philanthropist."

"You English are so unconscientious," said Chelubai reproachfully. Then his face cleared, and he went on more cheerfully: "But, after all, your sister won't always need your consent. She'll be of age and able to marry as she likes."

"That's true enough," I said. "And I can assure you that I shall be very glad to be free of the responsibility."