"
"Oh, in what way, then, Mr. Walraven?"
"I am a rich man, Miss Dane, and a lonely man very often, and I should
like to have a daughter to cheer my old age--a daughter like you,
Mistress Cricket, saucy and bright, and so pretty that it will be
a pleasure only to look at her."
"And a very complimentary papa you will make. Have you no daughters of
your own, Mr. Walraven?"
"None, Miss Mollie. I have the misfortune to have no wife."
"And never mean to have?"
"Can't say about that. I may one day."
"And you are quite sure you will never want me to fill that vacant
honor?"
"Surer than sure, my dear little girl I want you only for my adopted
daughter."
"And you never saw me before last night?"
"Never," said Carl Walraven, unflinchingly.
"You are a very rich man, you say?"
"Very rich--a millionaire--and you shall be my heiress when I die."
"I am afraid I shall be a very long time out of my inheritance, then.
Well, this is a surprise, and you are the oddest gentleman I have met
for some time. Please let me catch my breath! You are quite certain you
are not playing a practical joke at my expense all this time?"
"No! upon my word and honor, no! I mean precisely what I say.
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