"I am not aware, my dear father, that I have any merits which she should be called to observe."
"Oh, yes, viscount! That is an excess of modesty which touches a little, I am afraid, on hypocrisy. You are not altogether without merits. You are young, not ill-looking, nobly born, and will, in God's good time, be rich. Then you can ride well, and dance gracefully, and are not generally ill-educated or unpolished. It is quite as necessary, my dear son, that a young man should not undervalue himself, as that he should not think of his deserts too highly. Now that you have some merits is certain—for the rest I desire frankness of you just now, and beg that you will speak out plainly. I think you love this young girl. Is it not so, Raoul?"
"I do love, sir, very dearly; with my whole heart and spirit."
"And do you feel sure that this is not a mere transient liking—that it will last, Raoul?"
"So long as life lasts in my heart, so long will my love for her last, my father."
"And you would wish to marry her?"
"Beyond all things in this world, my dear father."
"And do you think that, were her tastes and views on the subject consulted, she would say likewise?"
"I hope she would, sir. But I have never asked her."
"And her father, is he gracious when you meet him?"