Part of the time explanatory, again apologetic, and yet again, I trust, assertive, although always blundering and red and awkward, I told the father of my intended of my own wishes, my prospects and my plans.
He listened to me gravely and, it seemed to me, with none of that enthusiasm which I would have welcomed.

As to my family, he knew enough.
As to my prospects, he questioned me.

My record was not unfamiliar to him.

So, gaining confidence at last under the insistence of what I knew were worthy motives, and which certainly were irresistible of themselves, so far as I was concerned, I asked him if we might not soon make an end of this, and, taking chances as they were, allow my wedding with Elisabeth to take place at no very distant date.
"Why, as to that, of course I do not know what my girl will say," went on Mr.Daniel Churchill, pursing up his lips.

He looked not wholly lovable to me, as he sat in his big chair.