"He used to like me," she answered mournfully.
"Ah! Now, Mabel, there are just as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it."
"And what time have I to catch fish?"
"S'pose you was my daughter, I shouldn't like you to marry James. This is on the strict Q.T., just between me and you, James was a faker of old furniture till he came to me."
"He's no better, I dare say, and no worse, than other men in his trade!"
"Tch! tch! He's lucky to have a nice girl to stick up for him. Now, my dear"—his voice became very soft and confidential—"you say that James used to like you. Why has he cooled off, hey?"
She answered miserably:
"I don't know."
"Cheer up! Maybe I can help you. Lordy! Don't cry! Answer me this—straight. Do you still want him?"
"Ye-es."