"You seem particularly interested in that tender-eyed widow and her infant. Is it long since you made their acquaintance?"
"I cannot say that I am even now acquainted with her." I answered politely.
"I should judge you had a weakness for widows. Mrs. Blake seems on very cordial terms with you."
"I would take just as much interest in your widow, Mr. Winthrop, if she was poor and sorrowful. The wheel of fortune may make a revolution some day, and give me the opportunity."
He really seemed to enjoy the retort which fell uncontrollably from my lips.
"Allow me to thank you beforehand for your kind offices to that afflicted individual; though the prospect for their being required is not very good at present."
"Mrs. Fleming has sent invitations for a garden-party," Mrs. Flaxman interposed desperately. "I think Mr. Winthrop had better permit you to go to New York for some additions to your toilet."
"I will accompany her myself; she might get entangled with widowers on her next trip."
"Not if they are as provoking as the unmarried," I murmured below my breath; but he seemed to catch my meaning.
"They understand the art of pleasing your sex amazingly. I believe you would find them more fascinating than Mrs. Blake, or your new friend, the widow Larkum."