"I couldn't do that, father. A word is all very well. A man can drop a word; but a girl is a different sort of thing. One can't drop a girl, even if one tries."
"Have you tried, Tom?"
"Yes, I have. I've done my best to try. I put it out of my mind for a fortnight and wouldn't think of her. I had a bottle of champagne every day at dinner and then went to the theatre. But it was all of no use. I have set my heart on it and I can't give her up. I'll tell you what I'd like to do. I'd like to give her a diamond necklace."
"It wouldn't be the slightest use," said Sir Thomas, shaking his head.
"Why not? It's what other men do. I mean it to be something handsome;—about three hundred pounds."
"That's a large sum of money for a necklace."
"Some of them cost a deal more than that."
"And you'd only throw away your money."
"If she took it, she'd take me too. If she didn't,—why I should still have the diamonds. I mean to try any way."
"Then it's of no use your coming to me."