"That＇s too much," said Ralph.
"Ah, don＇t say that. The best thing you can do; when I＇m gone, will be to marry."
Ralph had foreseen what his father was coming to, and this suggestion was by no means fresh. It had long been Mr. Touchett＇s most ingenious way of taking the cheerful view of his son＇s possible duration.Ralph had usually treated it facetiously; but present circumstances proscribed the facetious. He simply fell back in his chair and returned his father＇s appealing gaze.