His thoughts, as was natural, centred most around the younger woman.
"Poor thing! That was a mighty hard fate.

Only nineteen years old now,--six years younger than I am; and how much more she must know of life than I do.

I suppose she can't be a lady, exactly,--being a sea captain's wife.

I wonder if she's pretty?
I think Harley might have told me more about her.

He might know I'd be very curious.
"I wonder if mother'll take to them?
If she does, it will be a great comfort to her.