'He says that he's afraid that a woman might prove a disturbing influence in his life.'
'And what did you say to that?'
'I told him that he was the last, and that it was his duty to marry.'
'I don't think that women present any attraction to him. In a way that is a matter of congratulation.'
'I would much sooner he were wild, like other young men. Young men get over those kind of faults, but he'll never get over his.'
Mr. Hare looked as if he thought these opinions were of a doubtful orthodoxy.
'He is quite different,' he said, 'from other young men. I never remember having seen him pay any woman the least attention. When he speaks of women it is only to sneer.'
'He does that to annoy me.'
'Do you think so? I was afraid it was owing to a natural dislike.' The conversation paused for a moment, and then Mr. Hare said:
'Have you had any news of him lately?'