`` I have come to see you with regard to your niece , Mr. Gordon , '' he said abruptly , realizing that there would be small use in beating about the bush with this grim pair . `` I met your -- I met Neil Gordon in the Connors orchard , and I found that he has told you that I have been meeting Kilmeny there . '' He paused . Thomas Gordon nodded again ; but he did not speak , and he did not remove his steady , piercing eyes from the young man 's flushed countenance . Janet still sat in a sort of expectant immovability . `` I fear that you have formed an unfavourable opinion of me on this account , Mr. Gordon , '' Eric went on . `` But I hardly think I deserve it . I can explain the matter if you will allow me . I met your niece accidentally in the orchard three weeks ago and heard her play . I thought her music very wonderful and I fell into the habit of coming to the orchard in the evenings to hear it . I had no thought of harming her in any way , Mr. Gordon . I thought of her as a mere child , and a child who was doubly sacred because of her affliction . But recently I -- I -- it occurred to me that I was not behaving quite honourably in encouraging her to meet me thus . Yesterday evening I asked her to bring me here and introduce me to you and her aunt . We would have come then if you had been at home . As you were not we arranged to come tonight . '' `` I hope you will not refuse me the privilege of seeing your niece , Mr. Gordon , '' said Eric eagerly . `` I ask you to allow me to visit her here . But I do not ask you to receive me as a friend on my own recommendations only . I will give you references -- men of standing in Charlottetown and Queenslea .
If you refer to them -- '' `` I do n't need XXXXX do that , '' said Thomas Gordon , quietly .
As at from if in into of on that to