I have something else to think of , '' he concluded , in a tone of contempt , for which anyone might have known he would be punished sometime if Cupid were not deaf as well as blind . `` You 'll meet the lady of the future some day , '' said David dryly . `` And in spite of your scorn I venture to predict that if fate does n't bring her before long you 'll very soon start out to look for her . A word of advice , oh , son of your mother . When you go courting take your common sense with you . '' `` Do you think I shall be likely to leave it behind ? '' asked Eric amusedly . `` Well , I mistrust you , '' said David , sagely wagging his head . `` The Lowland Scotch part of you is all right , but there 's a Celtic streak in you , from that little Highland grandmother of yours , and when a man has that there 's never any knowing where it will break out , or what dance it will lead him , especially when it comes to this love-making business . You are just as likely as not to lose your head over some little fool or shrew for the sake of her outward favour and make yourself miserable for life . When you pick you a wife please remember that I shall reserve the right to pass a candid opinion on her . '' `` Pass all the opinions you like , but it is MY opinion , and mine only , which will matter in the long run , '' retorted Eric . `` Confound you , yes , you stubborn offshoot of a stubborn breed , '' growled David , looking at him affectionately . `` I know that , and that is why I 'll never feel at ease about you until I see you married to the right sort of a girl . She 's not hard to find . Nine out of ten girls in this country of ours are fit for kings ' palaces . But the tenth always has to be reckoned with . '' `` You are as bad as Clever Alice in the fairy tale who worried over the future of her unborn children , '' protested Eric . '' Clever Alice has been very unjustly laughed at , '' said David gravely . `` We doctors know that .
Perhaps she overdid the worrying business a little , but she was perfectly right XXXXX principle .
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