Mrs. Shapleigh sank down, overcome by astonishment. Old Tom walked up to Skelton, and said, with a broad grin:
“So you have bamboozled my girl?�
“Completely,� answered Skelton.
Sylvia at that got up and scurried out of the room, with Mrs. Shapleigh after her.
Mr. Shapleigh and his whilom ward faced each other.
“The game’s up,� was old Tom’s remark.
“Apparently,� answered Skelton, smiling; “and, as the consent of the father is usually asked, I am quite willing to ask it now.�
“I don’t know that it matters much in any case—least of all in this—because my daughter Sylvia has a spirit that I have never seen equalled in man or woman. I have sometimes seen horses who had it. That’s your prospect, Skelton.�
“I’ll risk it gladly,� answered Skelton, who knew well how to play the dauntless lover.
“And she has given in to you—the only creature, by Jove! she ever did give in to. But, Skelton, there’s one thing—�