"How can you ask? Clara, I have just called upon your father. I asked his permission to marry you."
"What did he say?" inquired the young lady.
"He told me he would consent on certain conditions."
"Certain conditions!" repeated Clara, innocently. "What could they be?"
"He said that I must prove to him that I was worth ten thousand dollars, and must consent to settle half that amount upon you."
"I hope," said Clara, quickly, "that you don't think I had anything to do with such conditions?"
"No; I am sure you had not," said Cromwell; and he believed what he said, for no one, to look in the face of the young lady, would have supposed her mercenary.
"I hope you don't blame papa. He carries prudence to excess."
"No, I don't blame him. It is natural that he should wish to make sure of his daughter's comfort."