The million pound banknote

Portia said 'Papa, he has said he wouldn't take any job you can give him; and I feel just as hurt as -'.

'My darling, is that your papa?'

'Yes; he's my step-papa, and the dearest one ever. You understand now, don't you, why I was able to laugh when you told me everything at the ambassador's? You did not know that we were related. What trouble and worry papa's and Uncle Abel's little plan was giving you!'

Of course, I spoke right up now. Without any fooling I went straight to the point.

'Oh, my dearest dear sir, I want to take back what I said. You have got a job available that I want. Son-in-law.'

'Well, well, well! But you know, you haven't ever done that job before. So of course, you can't supply a reference that would satisfy the conditions of the contract, and so - '

Vocabulary:

Step-papa: Step-father. The husband of one's mother.
Related: Part of the same family
Speak up: Give a question or opinion
Straight to the point: Directly to what a conversation is about
Take back: Un-say what one has said
Reference: Here a letter from someone to say how well one can do a job
Satisfy the conditions: Do what is needed for something