LEONARD. Very natural, very proper Mr. Broome, I am sure, but you know-- BROOME. I'm only a cabman but I have my feelin's. I'm a father, sir. LEONARD. Yes, it's a curious sensation, isn't it? BROOME. Sir? LEONARD. It's big. Mr. Broome; it's big, undeniably. BROOME. What's big? LEONARD. There's something in these primal relations, you know. BROOME. I dunno what y're talkin' about. LEONARD. I beg your pardon. BROOME. It seems you're my son-in-law. LEONARD. Yes, of course. Very jolly isn't it? BROOME. That doesn't mean as I'm goin' to take liberties. I've had a talk with your mother and we come to an agreement that least said soonest mended so don't look for no pryin' from me nor my wife. There's a thing or two I don't understand but I do say this. Whatever mistakes you've made you've come out at the finish like a man. LEONARD. It's very handsome of you to say so, I'm sure but-- BROOME. I know a man when I see one and there's my hand on it. [_He offers his hand which LEONARD takes rather hesitatingly._] You've done the fair thing and I honour you for it. LEONARD. It's very charming of you I'm sure and your commendation is very--very cheering but, really-- BROOME. I ask no questions but I can see a thing or two. Why, sir, it's as plain to me as if I'd been told that your father's cut up rough about this. LEONARD. You're quite right. BROOME. He wouldn't have you marry my gel and like an hon'rable young feller in love--in love mindyer--you ups and you sez: I'll marry her so's 'ow. It's as plain as mud-- LEONARD. It does look like that, doesn't it? BROOME. It's on'y the other day I was readin' a bit of a novelette in the paper--just to pass the time--and there was a young feller who did just like that and the father says it's a cut off of a shillin. I said there's a bit of human natur' there but I didn't expect to see it in my own family so soon. LEONARD. You're a reader, Mr. Broome. BROOME. I've read a fairish bit, sittin in my keb. Sir, let me tell you--the father in that there novelette come round. LEONARD. That's encouraging, Mr. Broome. BROOME. [_Listening._] Is that your mother coming? Give us your hand again. [_He hastily takes LEONARD'S hand and poses as MRS. TIMBRELL, MRS. BROOME and MARY enter. He speaks loudly for MRS. TIMBRELL'S benefit._] I accept you, sir, in my family and I honour you for your handsome conduct and hoping the old gentleman will soon come round though, mind you, I ask no questions. LEONARD. [_Retreating._] Very good of you. MRS. BROOME. We're going now. [_Farewells. BROOME is hearty again with LEONARD, confidential with MRS. TIMBRELL and perfunctory with MARY. MRS. BROOME, subdued and a little anxious, passes before LEONARD and says:--_] You needn't be afraid that we shall come often. LEONARD. Come as often as you like. MRS. BROOME. No, we'll give you your chance.