wooer shoot out through the open door with considerable assistance from behind.) We can almost hear papa's gasp of amazement as he sits in the midst of his disordered papers (he usually dances on bills) and stares at the young man; then he pulls himself together and refuses the proposed honour with a clearness and brevity that admit of no mistake. He has, however, met his match for once.
Captain Lovelace hears him out, then quietly remarks that having obtained Miss Adair's promise, he is content to wait to time for the fulfilment of his wishes, and is sure that, although Colonel Adair may refuse to give his consent now, he will do so at no very distant date. Papa gasps again; but I think an unpleasant recollection of his daughter's wilfulness crosses his mind, and in his next speech, although he still repudiates the wooer's pretensions, there is more bluster and less determination than in the first, and oh!—miracle of miracles!—he has not yet tried to kick him! After that the deluge; and it would not astonish us if the governor suddenly fell on the young man's neck and kissed him, and, sending for Alice, wept holy tears over them both, saying, "Bless you, my children!"
Captain Lovelace is speaking. He is asking what reasons Colonel Adair has to give for this summary refusal? Can any exception be taken to his character, means, or position? Has Colonel Adair other views for his daughter? No; he has none, and he knows nothing to the detriment of Captain Lovelace's character, pocket, or place in life, and he is forced to say so, for this is no woman to be stormed at, or child to be whipped, but a man who will have his answer. It is not easy to say no, no, no, over and over again, because it is no to a question that requires a more reasonable answer; thus papa, pressed for his reasons, can find none, save that Alice is a mere child, far too young to think of marrying for many years, etc.
