"And I will make it my whole business to see that you have such a situation. Now I think of it, our bank wants a book-keeper, and will pay twelve hundred a year. I can almost promise you the place." "You are very kind, and I am much obliged to you." "I will make it all right within three days after we come back. We can run over to St. Joseph, as the wind is now, before night. Then the knot can be tied, and we shall be back to-morrow night, or the next day; or, if you don't wish to be absent from your business so long, all you have to do is to wait here till Whippleton comes down in the Florina, and go on board of her. He will take you right back to Chicago before dark. What do you think of my plan?" he asked, nervously. "The plan is good enough, but it won't work." "What's the reason it won't?" "Well, I object, for one reason." "You object! Permit me to say, it is none of your business." "Isn't it? Well, I thought it was, after your elaborate argument to convince me. Miss Collingsby objects also." "No, she does not. Don't I tell you that she consented to elope with me?" "I know you do; but I don't believe it--to be as frank as the occasion requires." "Do you doubt my word?" "We won't quarrel about anybody's word. If Miss Collingsby will tell me herself that she consents to your plan, I will stay on shore here, or go to St. Joseph with you, just as you desire." "Of course she is not going to talk with you about such a matter. Girls are timid. You said you would help me out of this scrape, Phil." "And so I will, with the greatest pleasure." "What do you mean, then, by saying that you object?" "I want to help you out of the scrape, and not into it. That's what I mean. Let us return to Chicago, and that will get you out of the scrape." "Do you think I am to be made a fool of by a boy like you?" said he, rising and stepping towards me. "I hope not; I assure you I have no such wicked intention." "You have said enough, Phil." "That's just my opinion; and I would like to amend it by adding that you also have said enough." "Whether you help me or not, I want you to understand that I intend to carry out my plan." "Not if I can help it. I want to be understood, too." "The Marian belongs to me, and I can dispense with your company." "Send Miss Collingsby on shore, and you may do so. I claim to be her protector, and I intend to stand by her to the end." "Protector! You blockhead!" sneered he. "Pray, who made you her protector?" "She did, for one; and I happen to be a relative of hers, which is an additional reason why I should not permit any one to mislead her." "How long have you been a relative?" "Ever since I was born, of course." "Of course you are lying." "I am not recognized as a relative; but no matter for that. I feel just as much interest in her as though she was my own sister." "I am going on board of the boat now," said Mr. Waterford, gathering himself up. "So am I."