There would be the flavour of romance, and a certain cachet about a French wife.

No! He was not at all afraid of that.

It was only this cursed undivorced condition of his, and--and the question whether Annette would take him, which he dared not put to the touch until he had a clear and even dazzling future to offer her.
In his aunts' drawing-room he heard with but muffled ears those usual questions: How was his dear father?
Not going out, of course, now that the weather was turning chilly?
Would Soames be sure to tell him that Hester had found boiled holly leaves most comforting for that pain in her side; a poultice every three hours, with red flannel afterwards.

And could he relish just a little pot of their very best prune preserve--it was so delicious this year, and had such a wonderful effect.

Oh! and about the Darties--had Soames heard that dear Winifred was having a most distressing time with Montague?
Timothy thought she really ought to have protection It was said--but Soames mustn't take this for certain--that he had given some of Winifred's jewellery to a dreadful dancer.