“He said that our parents were rich, that there was no need for him to toil as he had done, but that if I consented it would give him an impetus to work.”
“And you declined conditionally?”
“I declined absolutely, father.”
“And yet you love him?”
“I’m afraid I love him very dearly, father.”
“You are a strange girl, Madelaine.”
“Yes, father.”
“Do you know what it means for me to take this wilful young fellow into my office?”
“Much trouble and care.”
“Yes. Then why should I at my time of life fill my brain with worry and care?”