"Perhaps it's my mother's nature cropping out in me. But, in fact, it's because I've seen too much, sir."
"Too much what?"
"Too much woman—of the sort that I know don't make good wives—at any rate, not good enough for me."
"Ah, you're wise! I daresay you do take after your mother; she was better than I am. You are wiser for yourself than I should have been for you."
"I don't know that it's wisdom, consciously. It's pure selfishness, as like as not. I know she'll be good to me, and take care of me, and stick to me through thick and thin."
"You must stick to her, too, Tony."
"No fear. A man couldn't play the beast, with a wife of that sort; at least, I hope not. I mean to be a pattern husband."
After the third pipe he rose up stealthily.
"I'll just go and change my clothes and get home to bed," he said. "Say good-night to Maude for me. I won't disturb her again."
"Good-night, my boy. And you may tell her I've given my consent, if you like. Only, mind you, we shall have to abolish the tea-room for the sake of the family."