"It will make no difference to me," he said firmly. "I love her, and, father, in saying this I mean no disrespect to your authority, but, if she will accept me, I intend to marry her."
Andrew Cruger made no answer. He merely lowered his head and looked at his son.
"When?" he asked briefly.
"I have not spoken to her yet," said Beverly.
Old Cruger looked at him quizzically.
"Perhaps I've been a little premature," suggested Beverly. The elder Cruger shrugged his shoulders. "That is the chief characteristic of American youth," he said, with a slight smile.
"I should never think of settling the question of dates, or of doing anything final until I had consulted you and my mother. Nor would I speak to her without first asking your consent," he added, to please his father.
Andrew Cruger smiled once more. "Suppose I refuse my consent?" he asked.
"Well," Beverly hesitated.
"You'll marry her without it? Of course you will! That's if she'll have you, my boy. The authority of parents is only nominal; therefore I content myself with warning you that you may ruin your career by such a marriage."