But he wants some one of his own station in life, without offence, Mistress Marie.

Some one as will talk with him about books and evenin' parties and things.

And--" he paused reflectively, "and Miss Gordon would do that." There was a little silence, during which another pancake met its fate.
"You know," said Joseph, with sudden confidence, "he's goin' to marry a young lady at home, in London; a young lady of fashion, as they say--one of them that's got one smile for men and another for women.

Not his sort, as I should have thought myself, knowin' him as I do." "Then why does he marry her ?" asked Marie.
"Ah!" Joseph rose, and stretched out his arms with a freedom from restraint learnt in the barrack-room.

"There you're asking me more than I can tell you.