"Do you care for him more than me?"
"Yes."
Leavesley sighed, then he broke out: "But it's dreadful, he never would ask you to make such a sacrifice——"
"Father?"
"Yes."
"He! why, he doesn't care a button. He believes in people marrying whoever they like. He'd like me to marry you. He said only the other day you'd make a good husband because you didn't gamble or drink, and you had no taste for going to law."
Leavesley's face brightened, he got on his hands and knees again preparatory to drawing nearer.
"Sit down," said Fanny, drawing away.
"But if you love me," said the lover, collapsing again into the sitting posture.