His tone indicated an unfriendly spirit, so I retorted, "Well."
There was a slight pause. Then he said, rather aggressively. "I never lend money."
"I suspected it," I replied; "I practically never borrow money, but that is my misfortune and not my fault."
"Then what can I do for you?"
"You have a daughter——"
"I have," he interrupted.
"I knew we should find a common basis of agreement. Miranda is unmarried; I am unmarried."
"You suggest marrying my daughter?"
"I make no suggestion, but the idea had crossed my mind."
"Can you keep a wife?"