Mr. B. I know I have everything comfortable here, but the fact is, Dick, I’m lonely in this great house. You, who pass most of your time in a store, with people constantly coming and going, take pleasure in spending a week or two in a quiet place, and among new scenes; but there’s no novelty in it to me, who have lived here for twenty years with no one in the house but servants.
D. It must be rather lonesome to live here all the time (glancing furtively at his companion). I expect you’ll be marrying one of these days, uncle.
Mr. B. I might have done so once, but it’s too late now. I’ve got settled down in my bachelor ways, and cannot depart from them.
D. (mischievously). You may be forced to depart from them, uncle.
Mr. B. (alarmed). What do you mean, Dick?
D. You remember the widow Payne, that we have met several times lately?
Mr. B. (interested). Yes. What of her?
D. She has been heard to express a very favorable opinion of you.
Mr. B. That amounts to nothing.
D. But you know that this is leap year, when ladies are privileged to propose.