"Poor Jane! She will have such a task to clean him. But you've arrived most opportunely. We were talking of you."
O'Hara groaned inwardly, and tried to frown her down.
"You were? I am flattered! May I ask what you were saying?"
"Why, that we do not want you to go back to France."
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.