O’Hara breathed again.

“That is very kind of you, my lady. I regret the necessity myself.”

“Are you sure it is necessary? You might just as well live in a nice place near here, with a dear old woman to keep house for you⁠—and⁠—and Jim⁠—and⁠—lots of pleasant things.”

My lord shook his head.

“No, thank you!”

“Yes, yes! And later on you could choose a wife!” she continued audaciously.

“Not at all. There would be no choice; I should be made to marry the dear old woman. You would bully me into it.”

She laughed.

“Seriously, Jack, could you not settle down near here?”