"I don't see that at all," said Archie, briskly; "—unless they are old and ugly, and that kind of thing. When a widow has become a widow after she has been married ever so many years, why then I suppose she looks to be left alone; and I suppose they like it."
"Indeed, I can't say. I don't like it."
"Then you would wish to change?"
"It is a very intricate subject, Captain Clavering, and one which I do not think I am quite disposed to discuss at present. After a year or two, perhaps I shall go into society again. Most widows do, I believe."
"But I was thinking of something else," said Archie, working himself up to the point with great energy, but still with many signs that he was ill at ease at his work. "I was, by Jove!"
"And of what were you thinking, Captain Clavering?"
"I was thinking,—of course you know, Julia, that since poor little Hughy's death, I am the next in for the title?"
"Poor Hughy! I'm sure you are too generous to rejoice at that."
"Indeed I am. When two fellows offered me a dinner at the club on the score of my chances, I wouldn't have it. But there's the fact;—isn't it?"
"There is no doubt of that, I believe."