t know
what you are saying; and as for your love, it is but the puling
sentimentality of a silly girl, which you will soon outgrow."

"Sir," said Betsy, turning toward the crestfallen young lawyer, "I beg
that you leave us. I have given you my answer; it is irrevocable.
Though humbly thanking you for the honor you would confer upon me, I
can not be your wife."

"No, no! don't go, James. The girl does not know her own mind; but, by
heaven, she shall be made to hear reason!" exclaimed Gilcrest,
furiously. "Wait, man, I beg of you; I wish to confer further with you.
As for you, you undutiful, foolish girl, you may leave the room while I
talk with Mr. Drane."

"No," said James, "it will be better for me to leave you now," and,
bowing low, he took up his hat and departed.

"But, James, I--we----" stammered Hiram; but the discomfited suitor was
out of hearing.

Gilcrest turned angrily to his daughter. "You self-willed, troublesome
baggage!" he ejaculated.

"Father," said Betty, quietly, "it is of no use for you to storm in
this way. I have always been a dutiful daughter; but in this matter I
mean to decide for myself."

"Why don't you speak to her, Jane?" he asked, turning to his wife. "Why
do you sit there listless and dumb? Have you no influence over the
girl?" But Mrs. Gilcrest was dissolved in tears, and leaned back
tremblingly in her chair, saying never a word.

"Is everything going against me?" groaned the old man, pacing the room
excitedly. "I'm thwarted and set at naught on every hand--church,
neighbors, friends. I'll sell out and go back to Massachusetts. To
think that my only daughter!--Truly a man's worst foes are often those
of his own household."

"I grieve to cross you, father," answered Betsy, "for you have until
lately been fond and indulgent."

Trying to control himself to speak gently, he continued: "Betsy, my
daughter, believe me, I know what is best for you. As James Drane's
wife, you will be tenderly loved and indulged in every luxury, and have
every whim gratified; and I do think that my heartfelt desire in this
matter should incline you to at least consider well before you reject a
man whom any other girl in the State would be proud to accept."

"Dear father," said Betty, going up to him and laying her hand
beseechingly upon his arm, "I can never marry James Anson Drane."

The old man wavered as he saw the tears in his daughter's eyes, and
felt the clinging touch of her fingers. "There,