It's some time since I asked permission to pay my addresses to your daughter.

I don't think I've been neglectful of opportunities, but I don't get on as fast as I would like, and now feel that if I would keep any chance at all I must be on hand.

Muir is a formidable rival." "You know that you have my consent and more, Mr.Arnault." "It's the lady's consent that I must obtain," was the reply.

"Muir is a fine fellow, and I cannot wonder that she hesitates--that is, if she does hesitate.

I may be wasting my time here and adding to the bitterness of my disappointment, for of course it must become greater if I see Miss Wildmere every day and still fail." There was a covert question in this remark, and after a moment or two Mr.Wildmere said, hesitatingly: "I do not think you are wasting your time.