As least something in his nature attracted my daughter Jane, for she, who up to that time had not been moved by any man, became deeply attached to him.
In the end he proposed to her, how, when or where I cannot say, for I never inquired.

One morning, I remember it was that of Christmas day, they came into my library, the pair of them, and informed me how matters stood.

Merchison went straight to the point and put the case before me very briefly, but in a manly and outspoken fashion.

He said that he quite understood the difficulties of his position, inasmuch as he believed that Jane was, or would be, very rich, whereas he had nothing beyond his profession, in which, however, he was doing well.

He ended by asking my consent to the engagement subject to any reasonable conditions that I might choose to lay down.
To me the shock was great, for, occupied as I was with my own affairs and ambitions, I had been blind to what was passing before my face.
I had hoped to see my daughter a peeress, and now I found her the affianced bride of a parish sawbones.