By such speeches as these she added fuel to the flame of her lover's adoration, and increased his impatience to obtain a favorable decision.
When Clara returned home her father happened to be still up. He had become interested in something that he was reading, and this caused him to defer his hour of retiring.
"Well, papa," said Clara, taking off her bonnet, "I've got some news for you."
"Oh, from that ridiculous druggist, Cromwell."
"I referred him to you. He's going to call to-morrow."
"Well, what shall I say? Just give me instructions. Do you love him?"
"Stuff and nonsense, papa! As if anybody could! Such a ridiculous creature as he is!"
"Then I am to decline the honor of his relationship?"
"That is not necessary in marriage. Thank Providence, I am not sentimental, and never shall break my heart for love. When I marry I want to marry a man who has got some money. Just find out if he's worth ten thousand dollars. If he is and will agree to settle half of it on me, I will become Mrs. Cromwell whenever he says the word. Otherwise, I won't. But of course, this must be your condition, not mine. I am supposed to be perfectly indifferent to money matters. I dare say I shall rail against you on account of your mercenary spirit, if he can't meet the condition, and comes to complain to me. You won't mind that, will you?"
"Not a particle. Rail away, if you think best. It won't break any bones."
"Well, I am rather tired, and will go to bed. Good-night, papa! Just let my suitor understand that you are inexorable, will you?"
Clara Manton retired, and slept considerably better than her lover, whose suspense kept him awake half the night.
James Cromwell lost no time next morning in waiting upon Mr. Manton. He was in that state when suspense is intolerable, and he wanted to have his fate decided at once. Accordingly, soon after breakfast, he was introduced into the presence of Clara's father, whom he found alone. The young lady, considerately foreseeing the visit, had gone out for a walk.
Mr. Manton was sitting indolently in a rocking-chair, reading.
"Good-morning, Mr. Cromwell," he said. "Take a chair, if you please, and excuse my not rising. I am not young and strong like you, but an invalid."