Page:Kickerbocker Feb 1833 vol 1 no 2.djvu/40

The progress of events carries us to No. — Chambers Street; the scene, a snug parlor crowded with mirrors and clocks, ottomans, little bronze figures, &c., &c. All was new, still, and solemn. The owner, evidently, had not inherited his Penates.———

A thick-set, middle-aged man was walking up and down with short, quick steps. The bell rings—'Who is there?'—The servant introduces, Mr. Egerton Winthrop.'

A bashful man is never so bashful as when he attempts to be impudent; nor an impudent man ever so impudent as when he assumes modesty.—Our hero entered with a Joseph Surface air of penitence and deep respect. There was something in it (under the circumstances) vastly exasperating to a man of the choleric temperament.

"Mr. ——— I have taken the liberty to call—The veneration I feel for your character—I should perhaps sooner—In short, sir, your daughter Frances,—my feelings were uncontrollable!—I have conceived an attachment—and I—I believe it is mutual—I———

"I know it, sir—I know it all"—(in a rage)—"You have behaved like———I won't say what—She never disobeyed me before! I don't know what you can have done to her, to make her so obstinate.—For a whole week now"———

"Mr. ———," said our hero, entirely changing his manner, "let us talk this matter over coolly; I understand you to have objections to me as a son-in-law"———

"Objections!—I have objections!"———

"And you would never consent to my marriage with your daughter?"

"Never."

"And this daughter is your only child—You have no other near relative to whom you could leave your property.—Hitherto, I understand you, she has been affectionate and dutiful; you must therefore love her. But now you find her determined to have her own way; believe me she will continue so"———

"Do you mean to insult me?—I can tell you Mr. Egerton Winthrop"—

"A little patience, sir. You cannot prevent her marrying me, if she chooses to do so; and I choose to marry her. She has property of her own; not very large, but considerable—And yet—perhaps the matter may be settled"———

"Sit down—take a chair." **** After conversing half an hour, they drove to No. — Pine Street—What took place there is a professional secret.