"And what did he say?"
"Well, he spoke very nicely; he said he was aware that it added to the disparity between a man in his position and my daughter."
"And you?"
"I believe I replied that because a bad woman had caused him misery and suffering in the past, it was no reason why he should not win and hold the love of a good girl, and that because of the sorrow he had endured, I felt the more assured in trusting my child's happiness into his keeping."
"That was sweet of you, mother; but did it not occur to you that there was just—a little risk?"
"How?"
"I don't think that John is a man who would forget easily."
"Good Heavens, child! what do you mean? you cannot doubt the sincerity of his protestations of affection for you, surely?"
Her daughter laughed.
"I certainly do not wish him to be more demonstrative, mother dear; love-making is the most boring process imaginable; but still, I should prefer, I must confess, that there was no under-current of feeling for wife number one."