I couldn't help it.

It was at the idea of your doing the father so gravely." "Well, am I not old enough to be her father?
What else could I do?
She had such a pleading, piteous way.

By Jove! Besides, how did she know any thing about it?
It wasn't as if she was in her senses.

She really thought I _was_ her father, you know.

And I'm sure I almost felt as if I was, too." "All right, old man, don't get huffy.