"I'm sure I don't know why," resumed her father, with true British candour. "I become so used to my children that I sometimes wonder what other people can see in them. Marion is a good little girl, however, I'll say that for her—a good little girl and not extravagant."
Sir Peter's manner was reassuring, and Allingford hastened to say that he was sensible of the great honour Miss Steele had done him in considering his suit, and that he should strive to prove himself worthy of her.
"I don't doubt it, my dear fellow, I don't doubt it." And the baronet paused, smiling so amiably that the Consul was disconcerted, and began to fear an unpleasant surprise.
"I trust," he returned, "that you are not averse to me as a son-in-law?"
"Personally much the reverse; but I always ask the man who comes to me as you have done one question, and on his answer I base my approval or disapproval of his suit."
"And that question is?"
"Can you support a wife, Mr. Allingford?"
"As a gentleman I could not have asked her hand if such were not the case."
"Ah," replied Sir Peter, "that is quite right."
"As for my position——" continued the young man.