"
"Look here!" I said. "Let us understand one another. It's all very well to
live by your wits; to make a little out of people not quite so smart as
you are; to worry through life owing a little here and there, borrowing a
bit where you can and taking good care to be on the right side when
there's a bargain going. That, I take it, is more or less what is meant by
being an adventurer. But when it comes to downright thieving I protest!
The penalties are too severe. I beg you, Mr. Parker, to have nothing more
to do with it!"
I went on, speaking as earnestly as I could and laying my hand upon his
shoulder.
"I ask you now what I asked you yesterday: Give me your daughter! Or if I
can't win her all at once let me at any rate have the opportunity of
meeting her and trying to persuade her to be my wife. I promise you you
shan't have to do any of these things for a living--either of you. Be
sensible, Miss Parker--Eve!" I begged, turning to her; "and please be a
little kind. I am in earnest about this. Come on my side and help me
persuade your father. I am not wealthy, perhaps, as you people count
money, but I am not a poor man. I'll buy you some pearls."
Eve threw down the book she had been reading and leaned over the side of
her chair, looking at me.
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