The somewhat bewildered Sir Baffin then said, “Well, my dear child, it is very kind indeed for you to regard me in that manner. I have done nothing to deserve it.”
“You are my rescuer, my benefactor, my heart’s idol!”
“Persons at my time of life,” said the Professor, blushing, “have to be extremely careful. I will be a father to you, of course! Oh, certainly, you may count upon me being a father to you, right along.”
“I do not mean that I love you as a daughter. You must marry me; you dear Sir Baffin.” Then she actually patted his cheek.
Professor Baffin could feel the cold perspiration trickling down his back.
“I think,” he said to Sir Bleoberis, “that this is, everything considered, altogether the most stupendous combination of circumstances that ever came within the range of my observation. It is positively distressing.”
“You will break my heart if you will not love me,” said Bragwaine, as if she were going to cry.
“Well, well,” replied the bewildered Professor, “we can consider the subject at some other time. Your father, you know, might have other views, and,—”
“The Prince, my father, will overwhelm you with gratitude for saving me. I know he will approve of our marriage. I will persuade him to have you knighted, and to secure for you some high place at court.”
“That,” said the Professor, “would probably make me acutely miserable for life.”