Mr. Hart wished he had not applied the test; he was satisfied of Philip's sincerity.
"Not so fast!" he cried, in a cheery tone, "not so fast! I only said 'suppose;' I didn't say it was so. How you young hot spirits jump at conclusions."
But it was a few minutes before Philip recovered himself.
"You frightened me," he said, with a feeble smile. "Then it is not true! If I had considered a moment, I should have known; for if truth and innocence have a home in this world, they have it in Margaret's breast. But you came upon me suddenly."
Mr. Hart thought, "Ah! youth, youth, what a painter you are!" And said aloud, "Here is my hand; knowing that you mean honourably by Margaret, I give my consent to your seeing her as usual."
"I'll marry her to-morrow," said Philip, taking the hand offered him.
"Softly, softly; there are conditions."
"I'll have no conditions!" shouted Philip impetuously.
"You'll have this and you'll have that!" said Mr. Hart, in a tone of gentle sarcasm. "You won't have this, and you won't have that! Very well, then. I wish you good-night." And he turned away.
"What!" cried Philip, turning after him, "desert me when I want you to be my friend!"