Shirley was not deceived.
“Is it true that you have lost large sums on horse races?” she demanded.
Mr. Willing looked at his only daughter long and earnestly.
“Would it please you very much if I gave up gambling?” he asked.
“Yes, indeed it would, Dad,” said Shirley, rising to her feet.
Mr. Willing considered.
“Then here is what I will do,” he said at length. “I promise that after this one time, I will never bet a cent again.”
Shirley shook her head.
“No,” she said.
“You mean,” demanded her father, “that you even want me to let this sure thing go by?”