"I thank you for that," said I, pretty close upon my guard.
"I have besides studied your character," he went on; "your talents are fair; you seem to have a moderate competence; which does no harm; and one thing with another, I am very happy to have to announce to you that I have decided on the latter of the two ways open."
"I am afraid I am dull," said I. "What ways are these?"
He bent his brows upon me formidably and uncrossed his legs. "Why, sir," says he, "I think I need scarce describe them to a gentleman of your condition; either that I should cut your throat or that you should marry my daughter."
"You are pleased to be quite plain at last," said I.
"And I believe I have been plain from the beginning!" cries he robustiously. "I am a careful parent, Mr. Balfour; but I thank God, a patient and deleeberate man. There is many a father, sir, that would have hirsled you at once either to the altar or the field. My esteem for your character--"
"Mr. Drummond," I interrupted, "if you have any esteem for me at all, I will beg of you to moderate your voice. It is quite needless to rowt at a gentleman in the same chamber with yourself and lending you his best attention."
"Why, very true," says he, with an immediate change. "And you must excuse the agitations of a parent."
"I understand you then," I continued--"for I will take no note of your other alternative, which perhaps it was a pity you let fall--I understand you rather to offer me encouragement in case I should desire to apply for your daughter's hand?"
"It is not possible to express my meaning better," said he, "and I see we shall do well together."