“ ‘I have not very much time to spare, sir,’ were his first words of welcome when he saw me enter the office in which he sat to receive me.
“ ‘I have not very much time to spare, therefore I beg you will at once get under weigh.’
“ ‘Mr. van Gulpendam,’ I began, ‘yesterday I had some talk with Miss Anna—and—’
“ ‘Do pray set sail at once,’ cried he, interrupting my opening speech, ‘I tell you again I have no time for dawdling. I may at once tell you that I do not think it a very proper thing for a gentleman to get a young girl into a quiet corner. Fair and above board is my motto, sir. An honest man sails straight into port. All that tacking and trimming are not to my taste, I can tell you.’
“ ‘My dear sir!’ cried I, ‘I have already told Mrs. van Gulpendam that the excitement and the surroundings had quite thrown me off my guard. It is now, and it always was, my intention to ask you fairly and openly for your daughter’s hand. There can, between us, be no question of any intrigues or mysteries, and my presence here, Mr. van Gulpendam, has no other motive than to declare to you my love to Miss Anna, and to obtain your sanction to our union as man and wife.’
“ ‘So, so,’ said he, ‘does the wind sit in that quarter? You have pricked your chart very prettily indeed. Now would you like to know what I have put down in my log, eh?’
“ ‘Mr. van Gulpendam, I can assure you that I never was more serious in my life—the question is to me one of the utmost importance,’ said I, amazed and disgusted at all this sea-jargon. ‘In heaven’s name let us lay aside all jesting. I simply have the honour of asking you for the hand of your daughter.’
“ ‘Mr. van Nerekool,’ he replied, ‘I also am in a most serious mood.’ This he said in a somewhat nettled tone, however, not another nautical expression passed his lips during the interview. ‘How can you suspect me of jesting, when I ask you whether you can surmise to what decision I am about to come with regard to your question?’
“ ‘I hope,’ cried I, ‘that your decision will not be unfavourable to me! Oh, sir, I love Miss Anna with all my heart and with all my soul!’
“ ‘Of course, of course,’ said he, ‘these are the regular stock phrases of all lovers. Now, are you really and seriously in love with her?’