“Mr. Gracedieu,” Philip began, “I wish to speak to you—”
Father interrupted him: “We are alone now, Mr. Dunboyne. I want to know why you consult me in private?”
“I am anxious to consult you, sir, on a subject—”
“On what subject? Any religious difficulty?”
“No.”
“Anything I can do for you in the town?”
“Not at all. If you will only allow me—”
“I am still waiting, sir, to know what it is about.”
Philip’s voice suddenly became an angry voice. “Once for all, Mr. Gracedieu,” he said, “will you let me speak? It’s about your daughter—”
“No more of it, Mr. Dunboyne!” (My father was now as loud as Philip.) “I don’t desire to hold a private conversation with you on the subject of my daughter.”