'What is it about father? you had better let mother see it first.'
'The impudent young ass! does he think I am to be taken in by all that gold and plush? He shall never have my consent, and you may tell him so, Owen.'
'Come into the house a minute, father, and let us see the note.'
They went into the house, the farmer giving an indignant grunt at the groom as he passed.
'Mother, come here!' he roared as he entered the parlour, followed by Owen.
The obedient wife left her kitchen and went to her husband.
'Read you it out loud, Owen.'
Owen read.
'SIR,—Being in a position to marry, and to marry any lady in the county, I think you need not be surprised at my now aspiring to the hand of your daughter, to whom I have been many years attached. I beg, therefore, to say that my object in writing to you is, to ask your permission to pay my addresses to her, and to make her my wife. My attorney will see to any arrangements you may require as regards settlements, which are matters of no importance to me,—I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
'HOWEL GRIFFITH JENKINS.'
'The impudent scoundrel!' said Mr Prothero.