That seems to be the northern idea of domestic felicity." Lira laughed gruffly, supposing that my picture was meant for a jest.

"I am glad you are amused," I added.
"Upon my honour, sir," he replied, "you are so vastly amusing that I am half inclined to forgive my daughter's rashness, for the sake of enjoying your company.

First you entrench yourself behind your furniture; then you propose to fight me; and now you give me the most original views upon love and marriage that I ever heard.

Indeed I have cause to be amused." "I am happy to oblige you," I said, tartly, for I did not like his laughter.

"So long as you confine your amusement to me, I am satisfied; but pray avoid using any objectionable language about Nino." "Then my only course is to avoid the subject ?" "Precisely," I replied, with a good deal of dignity.
"In that case I will go," he said.