“Thank you, general. In refusing your proposal I don’t mind assuring you that I am not likely to marry any one else.”

“That’s something. Then you have no personal objection to me?”

“Not at all. I feel very friendly to you. May I ask how you happened to think of marrying me?”

“Well, I took a notion to your son, Edwin, first, and then it was natural that I should think of his mother.”

“Then I am indebted to Edwin for your offer, general?” said Mrs. Harcourt, smiling.

“Well, yes, in a measure. He’s a very fine boy.”

“But you don’t find that he resembles me?”

“No, I can’t see much resemblance.”

“I don’t think there is much.”

“Probably he resembles his father.”