"I don't want to be offensive again, still, I should think it is pretty plain there is only one reason why I should go out of my way to seek the society of your father." "Say what you like about my intellect," replied the dutiful son, "but I can't think of even one--not even a small one.

Not--Good gracious! You don't mean--you can't mean--" Hardy looked at him.
"Not that," said Mr.Nugent, whose intellect had suddenly become painfully acute--"not her ?" "Why not ?" inquired the other.
Mr.Nugent leaned back in his chair and regarded him with an air of kindly interest.

"Well, there's no need for you to worry about my father for that," he said; "he would raise no objection." "Eh ?" said Hardy, starting up from his chair.
"He would welcome it," said Mr.Nugent, positively.

"There is nothing that he would like better; and I don't mind telling you a secret--she likes you." Hardy reddened.

"How do you know ?" he stammered.
"I know it for a fact," said the other, impressively.