"She is."
"And she consented, did she?"
"Perfectly."
"H'm! My daughter has made a mistake. I told her as much last night. There can be no question of marriage. You will do me the favor to let the matter drop."
"I am hot a rich man, Mr. Dunellen, but—"
"So I am informed. But that has nothing to do with it. There are other things that I take into consideration, and in view of them I insist that this matter be dropped."
"Mr. Dunellen, I love your daughter; I have reason to believe that she cares for me. We became engaged a few days ago. I came here now to ask your consent. If you refuse it, I have at least the right to ask what your objection is."
"Rather unnecessary, don't you think?"
"I cannot imagine, sir, what you mean." And Roland, holding himself unaffectedly straight, without the symptom of a pose, looked the old man in the eyes.
That look Mr. Dunellen returned. "Take a seat," he said; and, motioning Roland to a chair, he sat down himself.