"The fact is, Mr. Pennington, I love Sylvia! She has promised to
become my wife, and I am here to beg your consent."
He half rose from his chair, staring at me in blank amazement.
"What?" he cried. "Sylvia loves you--a perfect stranger?"
"She does," was my calm response. "And though I may be a stranger to
you, Mr. Pennington, I hope it may not be for long. I am not without
means, and I am in a position to maintain your daughter properly, as
the wife of a country gentleman."
He was silent for a few moments, his brows knit thoughtfully, his eyes
upon the fine ring upon his well-manicured hand.
"What is your income?" he asked quite bluntly, raising his keen eyes
to mine.
I told him, giving him a few details concerning my parentage and my
possessions.
"And what would you be prepared to settle on my daughter, providing I
gave my consent? Have you thought of that matter?"
I confessed that I had not, but that I would be ready, if she so
desired, to settle upon her twenty thousand pounds.
"And that wouldn't cripple you--eh?"
"No, I'm pleased to say it would not. I have kept my inheritance
practically intact," I added.
"Well, I must first hear what Sylvia has to say," he said; then he
added airily, "I suppose you would make over the greater part of your
estate to her, in case of your death? And there are life assurances,
of course? One never knows what may happen, you know. Pardon me for
speaking thus frankly. As a father, however, it is my duty to see that
my daughter's future is safeguarded."
"I quite understand all that," I replied, with a smile. "Of course,
Sylvia would inherit all I could legally bequeath to her, and as for
life assurances, I would insure myself for what sum you suggest."
"You are young," he said. "Insure for ten thousand. The premiums would
be not so very heavy."
"As you wish," I replied. "If I carry out your desires, I understand
that I have your consent to pay my attentions to Sylvia?"
"If what you tell me proves, on inquiry, to be the truth, Mr.
Biddulph, I shall have the greatest pleasure in welcoming you as my
son-in-law. I can't say more," he replied. "Here's my hand," and as I
took his, he gripped me heartily. "I confess I like you now," he
added, "and I feel sure I shall like you more when I know more
concerning you."