“Indeed!”
“I have been so honoured as to see some of these famous epistles. I think Darthea is pleased to torment me at times; it is her way, as you may happen to know. Also, and this is more serious, you have yourself written to Darthea.”
“I have, and several times. Why not?”
“These letters,” he went on, “she has refused to show to me. Now I want to say—and you will pardon me—that I permit no man to write to a woman whom I am to marry unless I do not object.”
“Well?” I said, beginning to smile, after my unmanageable habit.
“Here I do object.”
“What if I say that, so long as Miss Peniston does not seem displeased, I care not one farthing who objects!”
“By George!” cried he, leaping up in the boat.
“Take care; thou wilt upset the skiff.”
“I have half a mind to.”