"Stop, stop. That doesn't make it a bit better," said his brother. "I suppose you mean to argue with him on that ground, do you?"
"No, I don't. I'm not such a fool. But if I should be forced to run away with her, he can't complain, you know."
"No, no, Harry, my boy," said I. "That won't do. It would break the old man's heart. You must have patience for a while."
"Yes, yes. I know what I mean to do."
"What?"
"When I've made up my mind, I never ask advice. It only bewilders a fellow."
"Quite right, Hal," said his brother. "Only don't do anything foolish."
"I won't do anything she doesn't like."
"No, nor anything you won't like yourself afterwards," I ventured to say.
"I hope not," returned he, gravely, as he walked out, too much absorbed to bid either of us good morning.