With the stimulus which my affection for your daughter will give me, and knowing that in order to win her I must first put myself in a position to support her as she should be supported, I am quite convinced that I shall be able to surmount all difficulties by my own efforts." "Really, I cannot listen to such nonsense any longer," broke in Mr.
Beach angrily.

"Leonard, this is nothing less than an impertinence.

Of course any understanding that may have existed between you and Jane is quite at an end.

Engagement! I heard of no engagement.

I knew that there was some boy and girl folly between you indeed, but for my part I never gave the matter another thought." "You seem to forget, sir," said Leonard, keeping his temper with difficulty, "that not six months ago you and I had a long conversation on this very subject, and decided that nothing should be said to my father of the matter until I had taken my degree." "I repeat that it is an impertinence," answered Mr.Beach, but with a careful avoidance of the direct issue.