They used to say that dad was only second fiddle to Bassett, but you'll see that dad knows a thing or two." Dan drummed his desk.

This reference to Thatcher's ambitions only kindled his anger and he wished that Allen would end his confidences and take himself off.

But he pricked up his ears as Allen went on.
"I'm telling you this just to show you how it mixes up things for Marian and me.

I came to you for help, old man; and I want you to see how hard it is for me to go to Mr.Bassett and tell him I want to marry Marian." "Just a minute, Allen.

Are you quite sure that Marian has made up her mind to marry you; that she really wants to marry anybody ?" "I tell you it's all fixed! You don't imply that Marian is merely amusing herself at my expense! It wouldn't be like you to think that.