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McCutcheon, George Barr, 1866-1928

"The Prince of Graustark"

You will not be able to force her into a marriage
that doesn't appeal to her, and you may be quite sure, Mr. Blithers,
that you can't force me into one. I do not want you to feel that I
have a single disparaging thought concerning Miss Blithers. It is
possible that I could fall in love with her inside of a week, or
even sooner. But I don't intend to, Mr. Blithers, any more than she
intends to fall in love with me. You say that twenty millions will go
to the man she marries, if he is your choice. Well, I don't give a
hang, sir, if you make it fifty millions. The chap who gets it will
not be me, so what's the odds? You--"
"Wait a minute, young man," said Mr. Blithers coolly. (He was never
anything but cool when under fire.) "Why not wait until you have met
my daughter before making a statement like that? After all, am I not
the one who is taking chances? Well, I'm willing to risk my girl's
happiness with you and that's saying everything when you come right
down to it. She will make you happy in--"
[Illustration: "You will be her choice," said the other, without the
quiver of an eye-lash ]
"I am not for sale.


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