I want Kilmeny for my wife . '' The older man leaned forward and looked at the floor in a troubled fashion , drawing his bushy eyebrows down and tapping the calloused tips of his fingers together uneasily . He was evidently puzzled by this unexpected turn of the conversation , and in grave doubt what to say . `` What would your father say to all this , Master ? '' he queried at last . `` I have often heard my father say that a man must marry to please himself , '' said Eric , with a smile . `` If he felt tempted to go back on that opinion I think the sight of Kilmeny would convert him . But , after all , it is what I say that matters in this case , is n't it , Mr. Gordon ? I am well educated and not afraid of work . I can make a home for Kilmeny in a few years even if I have to depend entirely on my own resources . Only give me the chance to win her -- that is all I ask . '' `` I do n't think it would do , Master , '' said Thomas Gordon , shaking his head . `` Of course , I dare say you -- you '' -- he tried to say `` love , '' but Scotch reserve balked stubbornly at the terrible word -- `` you think you like Kilmeny now , but you are only a lad -- and lads ' fancies change . '' `` Mine will not , '' Eric broke in vehemently . `` It is not a fancy , Mr. Gordon . It is the love that comes once in a lifetime and once only . I may be but a lad , but I know that Kilmeny is the one woman in the world for me . There can never be any other . Oh , I 'm not speaking rashly or inconsiderately . I have weighed the matter well and looked at it from every aspect .
And it all comes to this -- I love XXXXX and I want what any decent man who loves a woman truly has the right to have -- the chance to win her love in return . ''
Eric Gordon Kilmeny Master Mr. aspect eyebrows fancy fashion years