Yes, I should--with your eyes open on this occasion. Look at her closely, Ted. You'll see one of the fairest, noblest little women God ever made--who'd just lay down her life for you--who keeps a bonny face and a brave word for you--and a sore heart for herself sometimes. Look at her a little oftener, old man--let her see that you understand and love her for it and--you don't mind my coming the family friend over you, do you, old fellow? TED MORRIS. Of course not, Jack. But you've worried me about Nelly. JACK MEDBURY. How? TED MORRIS. Why, it never occurred to me before, but here---- Beautiful as you say she is, and just growing up into womanhood, I'll just tell you what will be happening before long. JACK MEDBURY. What? TED MORRIS. Why, we shall have some young idiot falling in love with her. JACK MEDBURY. Yes; it's not altogether impossible. TED MORRIS. It's not at all improbable--and what the deuce shall I do? JACK MEDBURY. Oh, you come and tell me. I'll show you what to do. TED MORRIS. It's no chaffing matter, Jack. It's a serious responsibility upon a fellow when you come to think of it. I'm beginning to understand the feelings of a "stern parent." JACK MEDBURY. What sort of a fellow do you fancy for a brother-in-law? TED MORRIS. (_Laughs._) What _she_ fancies will be more to the point, I expect. You know she's a bit headstrong; I'll tell you _who_ it will be. JACK MEDBURY. (_Quickly._) Who? TED MORRIS. Why some poor devil without a penny to bless himself with. You bet your bottom dollar on that. JACK MEDBURY. And what do you intend saying to this impecunious suitor when he does turn up? TED MORRIS. I must think it over seriously, and be prepared for him. JACK MEDBURY. Better think it over now. TED MORRIS. Why? JACK MEDBURY. He may be down on you sooner than you expect. The truth is there's a very impecunious young man very much in love with your sister already, and I--I rather fancy she--she doesn't mind it. TED MORRIS. Oh! impossible. JACK MEDBURY. I don't quite see why. TED MORRIS. Why, she hasn't seen anybody for the last eighteen months. We never go out, and there hasn't been a soul here--except yourself. JACK MEDBURY. And which do you consider as "impossible"--my falling in love with her, or her not objecting to it? TED MORRIS. You? You and Nelly in love with each other? How long has it all been going on? JACK MEDBURY. Well, as far as I am concerned I don't think I lost much time since you first brought me here last Christmas twelve-month. TED MORRIS. Funny I've never noticed anything. JACK MEDBURY. Well, I don't really think it's been our fault, old man--'pon my soul, I don't. TED MORRIS. Are you engaged? JACK MEDBURY. No, no, we shouldn't have done that without saying anything to you, but I think we understand one another. TED MORRIS. Hum! I don't seem much good at this duenna business. JACK MEDBURY.