"Of course, you know what I'm come here about?" said Harry.
"Not exactly; at any rate not so clearly but what I would wish you to tell me."
"You have gone to my father as a suitor for my sister's hand."
"Yes, I have."
"Now you must know that that is altogether impossible,—a thing not to be even talked of."
"So your father says. I need not tell you that I was very sorry to hear him speak in that way."
"But, my dear fellow, you can't really be in earnest? You can't suppose it possible that he would allow such an engagement?"
"As to the latter question, I have no answer to give; but I certainly was,—and certainly am in earnest."
"Then I must say that I think you have a very erroneous idea of what the conduct of a gentleman should be."
"Stop a moment, Clavering," said Mr. Saul, rising, and standing with his back to the big fireplace. "Don't allow yourself to say in a hurry words which you will afterwards regret. I do not think you can have intended to come here and tell me that I am not a gentleman."