We are both men, and men of the world.

All this about my daughter is very new to me, and very sudden; and I want to know exactly how and where I stand.

Mind, I am making no objection; but as a father I have duties which are grave, and may prove to be painful.

I--I"-- he seemed slightly at a loss how to begin, and this gave me hope--"I suppose I am to take it, from what you have said to me of your feelings towards my girl, that it is in your mind to be a suitor for her hand, later on ?" I answered at once: "Absolutely! Firm and fixed; it was my intention the evening after I had been with her on the river, to seek you, of course after a proper and respectful interval, and to ask you if I might approach her on the subject.

Events forced me into closer relationship more quickly than I had to hope would be possible; but that first purpose has remained fresh in my heart, and has grown in intensity, and multiplied itself with every hour which has passed since then." His face seemed to soften as he looked at me; the memory of his own youth was coming back to him instinctively.