thing is that I have no thought in my mind of blaming you. In the

unfortunate circumstances, what could you do else? 'Deed, and I

cannot tell."

"I thank you for that," said I, pretty close upon my guard.

"I have besides studied your character," he went on; "your talents

are fair; you seem to have a moderate competence, which does no

harm; and one thing with another, I am very happy to have to

announce to you that I have decided on the latter of the two ways

open."

"I am afraid I am dull," said I. "What ways are these?"

He bent his brows upon me formidably and uncrossed his legs. "Why,

sir," says he, "I think I need scarce describe them to a gentleman

of your condition; either that I should cut your throat or that you

should marry my daughter."

"You are pleased to be quite plain at last," said I.

"And I believe I have been plain from the beginning!" cries he

robustiously. "I am a careful parent, Mr. Balfour; but I thank

God, a patient and deleeborate man. There is many a father, sir,

that would have hirsled you at once either to the altar or the

field. My esteem for your character--"

"Mr. Drummond," I interrupted, "if you have any esteem for me at

all, I will beg of you to moderate your voice. It is quite

needless to rowt at a gentleman in the same chamber with yourself

and lending you his best attention."

"Why, very true," says he, with an immediate change. "And you must

excuse the agitations of a parent."

"I understand you then," I continued--"for I will take no note of

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