o suggest rather in degree than in kind. I have a notion that
no usual, normal father is pleased at parting with his daughter. No.
Not even when he rationally appreciates "Jane being taken off his hands"
or perhaps is able to exult at an excellent match. At bottom, quite
deep down, down in the dark (in some cases only by digging), there is to
be found a certain repugnance... With mothers of course it is
different. Women are more loyal, not to each other, but to their common
femininity which they behold triumphant with a secret and proud
satisfaction.

The circumstances of that match added to Mr Smith's indignation. And
if he followed his daughter into that ship's cabin it was as if into a
house of disgrace and only because he was still bewildered by the
suddenness of the thing. His will, so long lying fallow, was overborne
by her determination and by a vague fear of that regained liberty.

You will be glad to hear that Anthony, though he did shirk the welcome
on the quay, behaved admirably, with the simplicity of a man who has no
small meannesses and makes no mean reservations. His eyes did not
flinch and his tongue did not falter. He was, I have it on the best
authority, admirable in his earnestness, in his sincerity and also in
his restraint. He was perfect. Nevertheless the vital force of his
unknown individuality addressing him so familiarly was enough to fluster
Mr Smith. Flora saw her father trembling in all his exiguous length,
though he held himself stiffer than ever if that was possible. He
muttered a little and at last managed to utter, not loud of course but
very distinctly: "I am here under protest," the corners of his mouth
sunk disparagingly, his eyes stony. "I am here under protest. I have
been locked up by a conspiracy. I--"

He raised his hands to his forehead--his silk hat was on the table rim
upwards; he had put it there with a despairing gesture as he came in--he
raised his hands to his forehead. "It seems to me unfair. I--" He
broke off again. Anthony looked at Flora who stood by the side of her
father.

"Well, sir, you will soon get used to me. Surely you and she must have
had enough of shore people and their confounded half-and-half ways to
last you both for a lifetime. A particularly merciful lot they are too.
You ask Flora. I am alluding to my own sister, her best friend, and
not a bad woman either as they go."

The captain of the _Ferndale_ checked himself. "Lucky th