“Yes, my dear, of course; but then these fellows don’t take that into consideration. What the deuce am I to do?”
“Tell him it is an insult to an English lady to propose such a thing!” said Helen, haughtily.
“Yes, that’s easily said; but you must have been leading the fellow on.”
“He was your guest, papa, and I was civil to him,” said Helen, coldly.
“A deal too civil, I’ll be bound! I’m sick of your civilities, Nell, and their consequences! Why can’t you get engaged like any other girl? I wish to goodness you were married and settled!”
“Thank you, papa,” she replied in the same cold, indifferent manner.
“Yes, but this fellow’s waiting to see you. What am I to say.”
“What are you to say, papa? Really you ought to know!”
“But it’s impossible for you to accept him, though he is very rich.”
“Quite impossible, papa!”