"The excitement keeps him alive."

"There's plenty on a station to keep a man alive in that way at all
times."

"And plenty to keep ladies alive too?"

"Oh, ladies! I don't know that ladies have any business in the bush.
Harry's trouble is all about my sister and the children and me. He
wouldn't care a straw for himself."

"Do you think he'd be better without a wife?"

Kate hesitated for a moment. "Well, no. I suppose it would be very
rough without Mary; and he'd be so lonely when he came in."

"And nobody to make his tea."

"Or to look after his things," said Kate, earnestly. "I know it was
very rough before we came here. He says that himself. There were no
regular meals, but just food in a cupboard when he chose to get it."

"That is not comfortable, certainly."

"Horrid, I should think. I suppose it is better for him to be
married. You've got your mother, Mr. Medlicot."

"Yes: I've got my mother."

"That makes a difference, does it not?"