`` Most of it was tommyrot , '' said his father . `` The only things I liked were Charlie 's Latin prayer and those pretty little girls trotting up to get their diplomas . Latin IS the language for praying in , I do believe , -- at least , when a man has a voice like Old Charlie 's . There was such a sonorous roll to the words that the mere sound of them made me feel like getting down on my marrow bones . And then those girls were as pretty as pinks , now were n't they ? Agnes was the finest-looking of the lot in my opinion . I hope it 's true that you 're courting her , Eric ? '' `` Confound it , father , '' said Eric , half irritably , half laughingly , `` have you and David Baker entered into a conspiracy to hound me into matrimony whether I will or no ? '' `` I 've never said a word to David Baker on such a subject , '' protested Mr. Marshall . `` Well , you are just as bad as he is . He hectored me all the way home from the college on the subject . But why are you in such a hurry to have me married , dad ? '' `` Because I want a homemaker in this house as soon as may be . There has never been one since your mother died . I am tired of housekeepers . And I want to see your children at my knees before I die , Eric , and I 'm an old man now . '' `` Well , your wish is natural , father , '' said Eric gently , with a glance at his mother 's picture . `` But I ca n't rush out and marry somebody off-hand , can I ? And I fear it would n't exactly do to advertise for a wife , even in these days of commercial enterprise . '' `` Is n't there ANYBODY you 're fond of ? ''
queried Mr. Marshall , XXXXX the patient air of a man who overlooks the frivolous jests of youth .
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