"She is a good girl. It would break my heart to part with her!" said the father.
"You wouldn't object to her being married, would you?" said Cromwell, alarmed at this last statement.
"I suppose she will marry some time," said Mr. Manton. "No, I should not feel it right to interfere with her marrying, if she desired it. Far be it from me to blight her young affections."
"I love her, Mr. Manton. Let her marry me," exploded Cromwell, nervously.
"Really, you surprise me," said Mr. Manton. "You wish to marry Clara?"
"I should consider myself the most fortunate of men if I could win her as my wife," said Cromwell, who talked more freely than usual under the influence of the tender passion.
"You think so; but marriage will cure you of all that," so thought Mr. Manton; but he said:
"Have you spoken with Clara on this subject?"
"Yes."