"What an idea!"
"I have ideas, Susie. We can't expect to keep her; and the best in this country won't marry a tradesman's daughter. He's as good as any in his country. See?"
"I see a large mare's nest," replied Susan.
Posy returned, brimming with the determination to retrieve her letter. Quinney beckoned to her.
"Come you here, my girl." He took her head between his hands, and gazed at her proudly. "Did that young fellow squeeze your hand just now?"
"Father!"
"None o' your sauce! Did he?"
"Well, yes, he did."
Quinney winked triumphantly at Susan. He kissed Posy, and said superbly:
"You've got a daddy with ambitions, a kind, loving, clever old daddy! Lordy! Sometimes I fair wonder at myself, I do. Because I've climbed so high. But you're a-going higher—bang up! Good looks, I'll admit you got them from mother, and good brains, same as mine. Quick wits, God bless you! You made a hit with young Hunsaker! A bull's-eye! Now scoot, both of you! I've a lot of business."