_Sp._ Bye-laws are Bye-laws, old Buck! there’s no Statute of Limitations in criminal offences that ever _I_ heard of! Nothing can alter the fact that you, being turned thirteen, obtained a half-ticket by a false representation that you were under age. A line from me, even now, denouncing you to the Traffic Superintendent, and I’m very much afraid---- _Sir P._ (_writhing_). Spiker, my--my dear friend, you won’t do that--you won’t expose me? Think of my age, my position, my daughter! _Sp._ Ah, now you’ve touched the right chord! I _was_ thinking of your daughter--a nice lady-like gal--I don’t mind telling you she fetched me, Sir, at the first glance. Give me her hand, and I burn the compromising half-ticket before your eyes on our return from church after the wedding. Come, that’s a fair offer! _Sir P._ (_indignantly_). My child, the ripening apple of my failing eye, to be sacrificed to a blackmailing blackguard like you! Never while I live! _Sp._ Just as you please; and, if you will kindly oblige me with writing materials, I will just drop a line to the Traffic Superintendent---- _Sir P._ (_hoarsely_). No, no; not _that_.... Wait, listen; I--I will speak to my daughter. I promise nothing; but if her heart is still her own to give, she may, (mind, I do not say she _will_,) be induced to link her lot to yours, though I shall not attempt to influence her in any way--in _any_ way. _Sp._ Well, you know your own business best, old Cockalorum. Here comes the young lady, so I’ll leave you to manage this delicate affair alone. Ta-ta. I shan’t be far off. [_Swaggers insolently out as_ VERB. _enters._ _Sir P._ My child, I have just received an offer for your hand. I know not if you will consent? _Verb._ I can guess who has made that offer, and why. I consent with all my heart, dear Papa. _Sir P._ Can I trust my ears! You consent? Noble girl! [_He embraces her._ _Verb._ I was quite sure dear Bleshugh meant to speak, and I _do_ love him very much. _Sir P._ (_starting_). It is not Lord Bleshugh, my child, but Mr. Samuel Spiker, the gentleman (for he is at heart a gentleman) whom I introduced to you just now. _Verb._ I have seen so little of him, Papa, I cannot love him--you must really excuse me!