"And upon my word, with all due respect to Miss Sarah Rosenbaum, it was enough for me."
"You did not kiss her, eh? You did not kiss her that fine day?"
"I don't know if I kissed her or she kissed me. I say, Rosenbaum, those girls of yours don't seem to keep many secrets from their father."
"That is as good a girl as ever lived; you will do justice to her, eh?"
"I hope I should do justice to every girl."
"So! That is it! You would marry half a dozen, perhaps!"
"By George, I don't believe you'd offer any objection if I wanted to!"
Mr. Rosenbaum sat back in his seat. Apparently this observation did go home. He appeared to reflect, but he showed that he was by no means beaten by suddenly discovering a fresh attack.
"My good friend, you think you are a clever man. I allow you are no fool, but you have met your match in me."
In his secret heart Mr. Ely was quite willing to allow the fact.