"And you snore, George, you snore man, aye, egad, like a very grampus! None the less I joy to see thee, George," said the Major, rising and extending his hand. "When did you arrive?"
"Some half-hour since. And snore, did I? Well, 'tis late enough, o' conscience. Faith Jack, Sir Benjamin brews a devilish strong punch—I supped with the company at the George. Then strolled over with Tom to visit ya' charming neighbours. Man Jack, she's a damned fine creature—ha?"
"She is!" sighed the Major.
"And with an air, Jack—an air." The Major sighed and seemed lost in thought. "I say an air, Jack."
"An air George, as you say."
"Full up o' womanly graces and adornments feminine."
"True, George."
"And thoroughbred, Jack!" The Major stared pensively into the fire. "I say all blood and high breeding, Jack."
"Aye, true George, true!"
"Well then, a man might do worse—ha?" The Major started. "How think ye, Jack? I'm not a marrying man, Jack, as you know, the sex hath never been a weakness o' mine but I'm touched at last, Jack—aye touched with a curse on't!"