And now, the idea having come upon him, he looked at the aspirant with severe and unpleasant eyes.

It was manifest to the aspirant that the first flash of the thing was painful to the father.
"Yes, sir.

I know how great is my presumption.

But, yet, having ventured, I will hardly say to entertain a hope, but to have come to such a state that I can only be happy by hoping, I have thought it best to come to you at once." "Does she know anything of this ?" "Of my visit to you?
Nothing." "Of your intentions;--of your suit generally?
Am I to understand that this has any sanction from her ?" "None at all." "Have you told her anything of it ?" "Not a word.

I come to ask you for your permission to address her." "You mean that she has no knowledge whatever of your--your preference for her." "I cannot say that.