"Take my word for it that, with such a girl as you married, your divorce wasn't an unmixed evil. It wasn't the release one would have chosen, but at least it was better for you than being tied to her for life. Damn it, George! what's the use of blinking the matter now? She was absolutely unsuited to you in every way; you must admit it!" "I suppose she was. At the same time I was happy with her." "How long would the infatuation have lasted?" "It lasted more than three years." "Would it have lasted another five?" "Speaking honestly, I believe it would." "Though you had nothing in common?" "I don't explain," said Heriot. "I tell you, I was happy with her, that's all. Viewing it dispassionately, I suppose she _was_ unsuited to me--I don't know that we did have anything in common; I don't see any justification for the fool's paradise I lived in. But for all that, if I married again, I should never care for the woman as--as I cared for _her_. In fact, I should merely marry to----" He was about to say "to try to forget her"--"to make a home for myself," he said, instead. "Have you considered such a step?" asked Sir Francis. "Sometimes, yes." "The best thing you could do--a very proper thing for you to do.... Anybody in particular?" "It's rather premature----" "You're not in chambers, old fellow!" "What do you think of Miss Pierways?" inquired Heriot after a scarcely perceptible pause. "A very excellent choice! I should congratulate you heartily. We had not noticed the---- And Catherine is very acute in these matters----" "There has been nothing to notice; probably she would refuse me point-blank. But in the event of my determining to marry again, I've wondered whether Miss Pierways wouldn't be the lady I proposed to." "I don't think you could do better." "Really? You don't think I'm too old for her?" "On my honour! 'Too old for her'? Not a bit, a very sensible marriage! I'm not surprised that you should be attracted by her." "'Attracted by her,'" said Heriot, "suggests rather more than the actual facts. I appreciate her qualities, but I can't say I'm sensible of any attachment. I'm sorry that I'm not. I appreciate her so fully that I am anxious to be drawn towards her a little more. I'm somewhat past the age for ardent devotion, but I couldn't take a wife as I might buy a horse. Of course, I've not been very much in her society. Er--down here, I daresay, when I come to know her better---- Have you met Van Buren?" "In town, before he sailed. He is in New York, you know. I like them all. We were very pleased to have the mother and the girl come to us.... Well, make your hay while the sun shines!" "It isn't shining," said Heriot; "I'm just looking east, waiting for it to rise. But I'm glad to have talked to you; as soon as the first ray comes I think I'll take your advice. I _ought_ to marry, Francis; I know you're right." CHAPTER XII