'I have something more moderate in view.

I may start a competition with the P.
and O.presently.' 'Let's hear about it.' 'I dare say it will surprise you a little.

The fact is, I--I am thinking of getting married.' The father did not move, but smoke ceased to issue from his lips, and his eyes, fixed upon Horace, widened a little in puzzled amusement.
'Thinking of it, are you ?' he said, in an undertone, as one speaks of some trifle.

'No harm in thinking.

Too many people do it without thinking at all.' 'I'm not one of that kind,' said Horace, with an air of maturity which was meant to rebuke his father's jest.