She described him to her friends as pig-headed, and added that if it had not been for his daughter she would have given up all idea of making him listen to reason.

Stirling, on his part, said that she no doubt had excellent intentions, but so had a good many people who contrived to make a considerable amount of unnecessary trouble.
"I wonder why you want her at New York ?" he asked.
He had, as his companion was aware, a somewhat Unpleasant habit of going straight to the point, but on this occasion she was disposed to meet him.
"Do you mind telling me what you mean to do with the girl ?" "No," said Stirling.

"I want to keep her with me just as long as she's willing to stay; but I suppose I can stand it if she marries somebody by and by." "That," said the lady, "is just the point.

You would naturally prefer him to be an eligible person.

Now, if you let me have her for a while I could promise that she would meet nobody who didn't answer that description." Stirling laughed.