Patrick's voracity after details exhibited a doubtfully genuine appetite, and John deferred his amusement until the termination of the week or month when his dear good Jane would visit the office to behold a vacated seat, or be assailed by the customary proposal.

Irishmen were not likely to be far behind curates in besieging an heiress.

For that matter, Jane was her own mistress and could very well take care of herself; he had confidence in her wisdom.
He was besides of an unsuspicious and an unexacting temperament.

The things he would strongly object to he did not specify to himself because he was untroubled by any forethought of them.

Business, political, commercial and marine, left few vacancies in his mind other than for the pleasures he could command and enjoy.