anew.

"Oh, you are cruel! You are heartless!"

"No, my dear Muriel; I am actuated by the truest affection for my
little ward, and desire to snatch her from future humiliation. My
knowledge of human nature is more extended, more profound than yours,
but since you seem unwilling to avail yourself of my experience, it
only remains for you to acquaint me with your determination. Are you
willing to tell me the nature of your answer?"

"I intend to accede to Gerard's wish, and will defer the marriage
until November; but in the meantime, I shall endeavor to win back his
heart, which I believe has been artfully enticed from me."

"By whom?"

She made no reply, and lifting her head from his shoulder, Dr. Grey
looked keenly into her face, and repeated his question.

"Do not urge me to express suspicions that may possibly be unjust."

"That are entirely unjust, you may rest assured," said he, almost
vehemently.

"By what means did you so positively ascertain that fact?"

"The result will prove. Now, my dear child, you must acquit me of
heartlessness and cruelty when I tell you, that, under existing
circumstances, I cannot and will not consent to the solemnization of
your marriage until you are of age. Once the conviction that an
earlier consummation of your engagement was essential to the happiness
of both parties, overruled the dictates of my judgment, and induced me
to acquiesce in your wishes; but subsequent events have illustrated
the wisdom of my former opposition, and now I am resolved that no
argument or persuasion shall prevail upon me to sanction or permit
your marriage until you are twenty-one."

With a sharp cry of chagrin and amazement, Muriel sprang to her feet.

"You surely do not mean to keep me in this torture, for nearly three
years? I will not submit to such tyranny, even from Dr. Grey."

"As a faithful guardian, I can see no alternative, and fear of
incurring your displeasure shall not deter me from the performance of
a stern duty to the child of my best and dearest friend. I must and
will do what your father certainly would, were he alive. My dear
Muriel, control yourself, and do not, by harsh epithets and unjust
accusations, wound the heart that sincerely loves you. To-day, as your
guardian, I hearken to the imperative dictates of my conscience, and
turn a deaf ear to the pleadings of my tender affection, which would
save you from even momentary sorrow and disappointment. Since my
decision is