nor was he a
returned convict. He was simply an idle scamp, who had hung about the
world for forty years, doing nothing, without principle, shameless,
accustomed to eat dirty puddings, and to be kicked--morally
kicked--by such men as Cheesacre. But he was moderate in his
greediness, and possessed of a certain appreciation of the comfort
of a daily dinner, which might possibly suffice to keep him from
straying very wide as long as his intended wife should be able to
keep the purse-strings altogether in her own hands. Therefore, I say
that Mrs Greenow had been lucky in her choice, and not altogether
without prudence.

"I think of taking this house," said she, "and of living here."

"What, in Westmoreland!" said the Captain, with something of dismay
in his tone. What on earth would he do with himself all his life in
that gloomy place!

"Yes, in Westmoreland. Why not in Westmoreland as well as anywhere
else? If you don't like Westmoreland, it's not too late yet, you
know." In answer to this the poor Captain was obliged to declare that
he had no objection whatever to Westmoreland.

"I've been talking to my niece about it," continued Mrs Greenow, "and
I find that such an arrangement can be made very conveniently. The
property is left between her and her uncle,--the father of my other
niece, and neither of them want to live here."

"But won't you be rather dull, my dear?"

"We could go to Yarmouth, you know, in the autumn." Then the
Captain's visage became somewhat bright again. "And perhaps, if you
are not extravagant, we could manage a month or so in London during
the winter, just to see the plays and do a little shopping." Then the
Captain's face became very bright. "That will be delightful," said
he. "And as for being dull," said the widow, "when people grow old
they must be dull. Dancing can't go on for ever." In answer to this
the widow's Captain assured the widow that she was not at all old;
and now, on this occasion, that ceremony came off successfully which
had been interrupted on the Shap road by the noise of Mr Cheesacre's
wheels. "There goes my cap," said she. "What a goose you are! What
will Jeannette say?" "Bother Jeannette," said the Captain in his
bliss. "She can do another cap, and many more won't be wanted." Then
I think the ceremony was repeated.

Upon the whole the Captain's visit was satisfactory--at any rate to
the Captain. Everything was settled. He was to go away on Saturday
morning, and rema