“I’m afraid not,” returned Mr. Weems.
Then Mr. Cowdrick looked into the fire, and relapsed into silence. The weather of the past, the present, and the future having been considered, there really seemed to be nothing more to be said upon that particular topic. It would be curious to ascertain what men, who are in a stress for something to talk about, fall back upon in those regions where there is steadfast sunshine during half of every year, and unremitting rain during the other half.
“How is Miss Leonie?” said Mr. Weems, suddenly, and with an air of desperation.
“Quite well, thank you,” answered Mr. Cowdrick.
“Well, Mr. Cowdrick, I called this evening to speak to you about her,” continued Weems, with a determination to make the plunge and have it over.
“Indeed!”
“Yes, sir. In fact, Mr. Cowdrick, your daughter has consented to become my wife, and I wish to obtain, if I may, your approval of the match. May I have it?”
“Really, Mr. Weems, this is so unexpected. I was so little prepared for such an announcement that I hardly know what——. My answer would depend somewhat upon circumstances, I may say, I have no objection to you personally; but I know nothing of your prospects in your profession.”
“They are first-rate. I sold a picture to-day for five thousand dollars; and that is by no means an infrequent occurrence.”
“Who bought it?”