“I insist upon it.”
“That is sufficient.” Vyner took out his pocket-book, and walked to the door. “Malone,” cried he; and the old man came forward bareheaded and respectful, without a shade of passion on his face. “Malone, I am not so fully assured as I felt last night when I first proposed it, that my plan for your grandchild would be a wise one; at least, reflection has shown me some difficulties about it——”
“Just tell me, Sir, do you want to draw back?” said the old man, resolutely, but respectfully.
“It would be better that you heard me out,” said Vyner, severely. “I am willing to do all that I offered——”
“That will do, Sir. I never doubted the word of a real gentleman.”
“I was going to say, that if, instead of taking your child from you, you preferred that I should settle a certain sum of money on her, to be her marriage portion——”
“No, Sir; no, Sir. What you offered or nothing. Make her a lady, as you said you would, or leave her where she is.”
“I think, my good man, you suffer your hot blood to get the better of your judgment occasionally, and it would be as well if you would give yourself some more time for reflection.”
“My blood is just as God gave it to me, neither hotter nor colder; and what I say now, I’d say to-morrow. Keep your word, or break it, whichever you plaze!”
“I can very well understand how my friend——” Vyner stopped himself in time, and, after a second’s pause, proceeded: “You hold me, then, to my bargain?”