Going up to his mother, he put his arm round her neck. Kissing her, he added:
"She'll pay you as soon as she gets the money her father left her. You know she's won her lawsuit."
Fumbling in her pocket, Mrs. Parkes drew out an envelope.
"Yes, so I heard," she said dryly, "but this is a little reminder—just to let her know how much it is. I never knew you took such an interest in her affairs."
"An interest?" exclaimed Harry, with mock surprise. "What nonsense. Come here, mother—sit down. I want to talk seriously with you."
Drawing up a chair, he made her take a seat. Taking a seat opposite, he asked:
"Mother, was my father a serious man?"
"Never—except when he was broke."
"Well—I am serious. I love Paula Marsh. Now, don't faint. Last night I asked her to be my wife——"
Mrs. Parkes gasped.