I therefore ask your consent to our formal engagement." "Not any," said Uncle John, decidedly.

"I'll sanction no engagement of any children on this trip.

You are wrong in supposing I am Louise's guardian--I'm just her chum and uncle.

It's like cradle-snatching to want to marry a girl of sixteen, and you ought to be ashamed of yourself, for you can't be much more than twenty-one yourself.

While Louise is in my care I won't have any entanglements of any sort, so you'll have to wait till you get home and settle the business with her mother." "Very wise and proper, sir," said Mr.Watson, nodding gravely.
Louise's cheeks were flaming.
"Do you intend to drive Arthur away, Uncle ?" she asked.
"Why should I, my dear?
except that you've both taken me for a blind old idiot and tried to deceive me.