Page 214 - The snake's pass

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202 THE SNAKE'S PASS.
With all the fervour of my heart I prayed that, on this
occasion, his pride might not in any way be touched, or
arrayed against me.
When I saw him I went straight towards him, and
held out my hand. He seemed a little surprised, but
took it. Like Bob Acres, I felt my courage oozing out
of the tips of my fingers, but with the remnant of it
threw myself into the battle :
" Mr. Joyce, I have come to speak to you on a very
serious subject."
"
" A sarious subject
! Is it concarnin' me ?
" It is."
"
" Go on
! More throuble, I suppose ?
" I hope not, most sincerely. Mr. Joyce, I want to
have your permission to marry your daughter ! " If I
had suddenly turned into a bird and flown away, I
do not think I could have astonished him more. For
a second or two he was speechless, and then said, in
an unconscious sort of way:
"
" Want to marry me daughter
!
"Yes, Mr. Joyce! I love her very dearly! She is a
pearl amongst women; and if you will give your per-
mission, I shall be the happiest man on earth. I can
quite satisfy you as to my means. I am well to do
;
indeed, as men go, I am a rich man."
" Aye sir, I don't doubt.
! I'm contint that you are
what you say. But you never saw me daughter—except
that dark night when you took me home."
" Oh yes, I have seen her several times, and spoken