Kelso rose and went home to supper.
Soon after the supper dishes had been laid away in the Kelso cabin, young Mr. Biggs rapped on its door and pulled the latch-string and entered and sat down with Mr. and Mrs. Kelso at the fireside.
"I have come to ask for your daughter's hand," he said, as soon as they were seated. "I know it will seem sudden, but she happens to be the girl I want. I've had her picture in my heart always. I love your daughter. I can give her a handsome home and everything she could desire."
Kelso answered promptly: "We are glad to welcome you here, but we can not entertain such a proposal, flattering as it is. Our daughter is too young to think of marriage. Then, sir, we know very little about you, and may I be pardoned if I add that it does not recommend you?"
The young man was surprised. He had not expected such talk from a ladder climber. He looked at Kelso, groping for an answer. Then—
"Perhaps not," said he. "I have been a little wild, but that is all in the past. You can learn about me and my family from any one in St. Louis. I am not ashamed of anything I have done."
"Nevertheless, I must ask you to back away from this subject. I can not even discuss it with you."
"May I not hope that you will change your mind?"
"Not at present. Let the future take care of itself."
"I generally get what I want," said the young man.