"Now, this isn't politics!
As I say, I don't usually meddle in my wife's or my daughter's--"
"Just one moment, Mr. Presson!" Harlan strode forward. "Has this lying
scoundrel dared to bring his dirty scandal to you?"
He looked over the head of the chairman into the defiant face of his
rival. The little man threw up his hands, standing between them.
"Hold on! Hold on! You haven't come to me in the usual way, but as near
as I can find out both of you are after my daughter. I know of my own
knowledge, Harlan, that you have been interested up-country. I simply
want to have a general understanding. I brought Linton here with me. No
use in running between! Let's have our say face to face."
Harlan controlled himself.
"I think I understand just what prompts you, Mr. Presson," he said. "I
respect your motives. You've been imposed upon. But you're not to blame.
I know what you're going to ask me. I'll save you the trouble. I admire
your daughter greatly. I have intended to ask her hand in marriage." He
was suddenly conscious that the determination to persist in that suit
was not acute.
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