' 'Plenty of time for _her_' (was the wretch's answer to that);
'but not for _me_. Think of all I have to offer her' (as if I cared for
his money!); 'think how long I have looked upon her as growing up to
be my wife' (growing up for _him_--monstrous!), 'and don't keep me in
a state of uncertainty, which it gets harder and harder for a man in my
position to endure!' He was really quite eloquent. His voice trembled.
There is no doubt, dear, that he is very, very fond of me."
"And you feel flattered by it, of course?"
"Don't talk nonsense. I feel a little frightened at it, I can tell you."
"Frightened? Did _you_ notice him this morning?"
"I? When?"
"When your father was telling that story about the man overboard."
"No. What did he do? Tell me, Launce."
"I'll tell you directly. How did it all end last night? Did your father
make any sort of promise?"
"You know Richard's way; Richard left him no other choice. Papa had to
promise before he was allowed to go to bed."
"To let Turlington marry you?"
"Yes; the week after my next birthday.
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