Ralph was aware that he had not as yet begun to explain his difficulty to the anxious father. "You see, Mr. Neefit," he said,—and then he paused. It had been much easier for him to talk to Sir Thomas than to the breaches-maker.
"If you don't like it,—say so," said Mr. Neefit;—"and don't let us have no shilly-shallying."
"I do like it."
"Then give us your hand, and come out this evening and have a bit of some'at to eat and a drop of some'at hot, and pop the question. That's about the way to do it."
"Undoubtedly;—but marriage is such a serious thing!"
"So it is serious,—uncommon serious to owe a fellow a lot of money you can't pay him. I call that very serious."
"Mr. Neefit, I owe you nothing but what I can pay you."
"You're very slow about it, Mr. Newton; that's all I can say. But I wasn't just talking of myself. After what's passed between you and me I ain't going to be hard upon you."
"I'll tell you what, Mr. Neefit," said Ralph at last,—"of course you can understand that a man may have difficulties with his family."
"Because of my being a breeches-maker?" said Neefit contemptuously.