"The fact is, Alma, we both lost our tempers a bit, and no good ever comes of that. You can't conduct business in a heat, you know." "Oh, then the asking of his daughter's hand was business--a mere business proposition, was it?" "Well, I confess he put it that way--very strongly, too. Of course, with me there would have been pleasure mixed with it if he had--but he didn't. See here, Alma--tell me frankly (of course he talked with you about it) what objection he has to me anyhow." "I suppose you consider yourself such a desirable young man that it astonishes you greatly that any person should have any possible objection to you?" "Oh, come now, Alma; don't hit a fellow when he's down, you know. I don't suppose I have more conceit than the average young man; but then, on the other hand, I am not such a fool, despite appearances, as not to know that I am considered by some people as quite an eligible individual. I am not a pauper exactly, and your father knows that. I don't think I have many very bad qualities. I don't get drunk; I don't --oh, I could give quite a list of the things I don't do." "You are certainly frank enough, my eligible young man. Still you must not forget that my papa is considered quite an eligible father-in-law, if it comes to that." "Why, of course, I admit it. How could it be otherwise when he has such a charming daughter?" "You know I don't mean that, Walter. You were speaking of wealth and so was I. Perhaps we had better change the subject." "By the way, that reminds me of what I came to see you about. What do----" "To see me? I thought you came to see my father." "Oh, yes--certainly--I did come to see him, of course, but in case I saw you, I thought I would ask you for further particulars in the case. I have asked you the question but you have evaded the answer. You did not tell me why he is so prejudiced against me. Why did he receive me in such a gruff manner when I spoke to him about it? It is not a criminal act to ask a man for his daughter. It is not, I assure you. I looked up the law on the subject, and a young friend of mine, who is a barrister, says there is no statute in the case made and provided. The law of the State of New York does not recognize my action as against the peace and prosperity of the commonwealth. Well, he received me as if I had been caught robbing the bank. Now I propose to know what the objection is. I am going to hear----" "Hush! Here is papa now." Miss Alma quickly left the room, and met her father in the hall. Mr. Brown stood with his hands in his pockets and his back to the fire. He heard the gruff voice of Mr. Temple say, apparently in answer to some information given him by his daughter: "Is he? What does he want?" There was a moment's pause, and then the same voice said: "Very well, I will see him in the library in a few minutes."