The room was much as they'd left it. To his credit, Darrow hadn't been so audacious as to actually take the seat Zelda had offered him at the table. Brannon walked back to his chair before speaking, but remained standing behind it, supporting his weight slightly by placing his hands along the carved back. He fixed a look on Darrow to ensure he was listening. Aside from a brief glance towards Zelda, Brannon appeared to have the man's undivided attention.

"Given your history, Captain Darrow, I have the impression that you may be," he paused, considering his word choice briefly before continuing. "Out of practice when it comes to what is expected in a civilized society. The purpose of courting a woman, as far as any gentleman is concerned, is to someday marry her," he said, with a brief and unsmiling glance towards Zelda before returning his attention to Darrow.

"Until you have a situation in which you can properly support my daughter, you have no right to ask for her time or attention," he concluded in a businesslike fashion. "Good day, Mr. Darrow. Someone can show you out."