"I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Sylvia," I went on. "And more, we have become very firm friends." "Oh!" he exclaimed, opening his eyes widely. "I'm delighted to hear it." Though his manner was so open and breezy, I yet somehow detected a curious sinister expression in his glance. He did not seem exactly at his ease in my presence. "The fact is, Mr. Pennington," I said, after we had been chatting for some time, "I have been wanting to meet you for some weeks past. I have something to say to you." "Oh! What's that?" he asked, regarding me with some surprise. "I suppose Sylvia told you that I was in Manchester, and you came here to see me--eh? This was not a chance meeting--was it?" "Not exactly," I admitted. "I came here from London expressly to have a chat with you--a confidential chat." His expression altered slightly, I thought. "Well?" he asked, twisting his cigar thoughtfully in his fingers. "Speak; I'm listening." For a second I hesitated. Then, in a blundering way, blurted forth-- "The fact is, Mr. Pennington, I love Sylvia! She has promised to become my wife, and I am here to beg your consent." He half rose from his chair, staring at me in blank amazement. "What?" he cried. "Sylvia loves you--a perfect stranger?" "She does," was my calm response. "And though I may be a stranger to you, Mr. Pennington, I hope it may not be for long. I am not without means, and I am in a position to maintain your daughter properly, as the wife of a country gentleman." He was silent for a few moments, his brows knit thoughtfully, his eyes upon the fine ring upon his well-manicured hand. "What is your income?" he asked quite bluntly, raising his keen eyes to mine. I told him, giving him a few details concerning my parentage and my possessions. "And what would you be prepared to settle on my daughter, providing I gave my consent? Have you thought of that matter?" I confessed that I had not, but that I would be ready, if she so desired, to settle upon her twenty thousand pounds. "And that wouldn't cripple you--eh?" "No, I'm pleased to say it would not. I have kept my inheritance practically intact," I added. "Well, I must first hear what Sylvia has to say," he said; then he added airily, "I suppose you would make over the greater part of your estate to her, in case of your death? And there are life assurances, of course? One never knows what may happen, you know. Pardon me for speaking thus frankly. As a father, however, it is my duty to see that my daughter's future is safeguarded." "I quite understand all that," I replied, with a smile. "Of course, Sylvia would inherit all I could legally bequeath to her, and as for life assurances, I would insure myself for what sum you suggest." "You are young," he said. "Insure for ten thousand. The premiums would be not so very heavy." "As you wish," I replied. "If I carry out your desires, I understand that I have your consent to pay my attentions to Sylvia?"