My interest in Miss Sloper
began the first time I saw her."
"Did it not by chance precede your first meeting?" the Doctor asked.
Morris looked at him an instant. "I certainly had already heard that
she was a charming girl."
"A charming girl--that's what you think her?"
"Assuredly. Otherwise I should not be sitting here."
The Doctor meditated a moment. "My dear young man," he said at last,
"you must be very susceptible. As Catherine's father, I have, I
trust, a just and tender appreciation of her many good qualities; but
I don't mind telling you that I have never thought of her as a
charming girl, and never expected any one else to do so."
Morris Townsend received this statement with a smile that was not
wholly devoid of deference. "I don't know what I might think of her
if I were her father. I can't put myself in that place. I speak
from my own point of view."
"You speak very well," said the Doctor; "but that is not all that is
necessary. I told Catherine yesterday that I disapproved of her
engagement."
"She let me know as much, and I was very sorry to hear it. I am
greatly disappointed." And Morris sat in silence awhile, looking at
the floor.
"Did you really expect I would say I was delighted, and throw my
daughter into your arms?"
"Oh no; I had an idea you didn't like me."
"What gave you the idea?"
"The fact that I am poor."
"That has a harsh sound," said the Doctor, "but it is about the
truth--speaking of you strictly as a son-in-law.
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