So, here's the pen and ink,' Mr Prothero sat down and wrote the following reply to Howel's note:-- 'HOWEL,--You have had my answer before now, and you may have it again.

When I know you're out-and-out a changed man, I may think differently; but I don't know it yet, so you shall not have my consent to marry Netta.

One hundred pounds of steadiness and honesty is worth a hundred thousand pounds of gold.

I wish you well, but if you was king of England you shouldn't have my girl as you are now.'-- Yours to command, 'DAVID PROTHERO,' 'There, mother, there's my mind,' said Mr Prothero, giving the note to his wife.
'Well, David, I believe you are right, only Netta is so determined!' 'Determined, is she! Then I'll lock her up.

Take that to yon yellar-band, Owen.' Owen took the note to the servant 'Tell your master that I am coming to see him this evening,' he said, and soliloquised thus when the man was gone.