CAROLINE THRING
The Admiral made a wry face. "Caroline Thring? I've heard of her. Never seen her: but heard of her. Eccentric party, ain't she? And did n't I hear there was an affair with Young Beauchamp?"
"That's fallen through. She's an estimable person."
"Ugh," said the Admiral.
"People call her eccentric," Lord Otford continued, hotly, "because she goes about doing good—distributing alms—"
The Admiral was about to exclaim, but Otford gave him no time. "You 're prejudiced, you old reprobate. Wendover 's willing, and there's nothing in the way. The estates join. She's sole heiress. Gad, sir, that alliance would make Jack the biggest man in the Three Kingdoms."
"Is Jack fond of her?"
"Does n't object to her. Hesitates. Says he don't want to marry at all. Says he has n't had his fling."
"Well—what's it all got to do with me?"
"Ever since Jack's been home on leave, he's done nothing but talk about you—"