Why was the old gentleman so inconveniently observant?
"And doubtless you remember the subject ?" "There were a good many subjects, father; they ranged from mortgages to matrimony." "Quite so, to matrimony.

Well, have you thought any more about it ?" "Not particularly, father.

Why should I ?" "Confound it, Morris," exclaimed the Colonel, losing patience; "don't chop logic like a petty sessions lawyer.

Let's come to the point." "That is my desire," answered Morris; and quite clearly there rose up before him an inconsequent picture of his mother teaching him the Catechism many, many years ago.

Thereat, as was customary with his mind when any memory of her touched it, his temper softened like iron beneath the influence of fire.
"Very good, then what do you think of Mary as a wife ?" "How should I know under the circumstances ?" The Colonel fumed, and Morris added, "I beg your pardon, I understand what you mean." Then his father came to the charge.
"To be brief, will you marry her ?" "Will she marry me ?" asked Morris.