w what Paul
would feel. There was an insult in every line, almost in every word,
veiled by conventional politeness, it is true, but still a note which,
to a proud man, would wound like a poisoned knife.

"I had to put a stop to that sort of thing, of course. Just because he
has made a little money, and has become a Member of Parliament, he has
dared to---- But I say, Mary, this leads me on to something else; and,
as we have an hour alone, it is well to have an understanding. How old
are you?"

"Nearly twenty-one," she answered.

"I don't want to lose you, of course, but the time must come when I
shall have to do so, and--of course, you'll not be surprised to know
Ned Wilson was here two or three days ago, and I fancy he considers the
matter settled. Do you know that he has spoken to me more than once?"

"But I gave him no encouragement," said the girl. "I have promised him
nothing."

"No; but you have not repulsed him."

"You did not wish me to meet his appeal with a blank refusal," said the
girl. "You said you had special reasons for that. But I gave him no
encouragement. I do not want to marry him."

"But you do not dislike him; in fact, you told me you felt very kindly
towards him."

"But not in that way, not in that way!"

"Mary, I want to be absolutely frank with you," said the Judge. "I
wish you to marry young Wilson."

"Is that a command?" said the girl, and her voice was as cold as ice.

Her father looked at her steadily for a few seconds. He seemed to be
on the point of resenting her tones, but presently decided not to do so.

"Let us put it this way," he said quietly, "Your marriage with Wilson
would help me out of many difficulties, and save me from many troubles."

"I don't understand, father."

"You've always looked upon me as a rich man," said Judge Bolitho. "I'm
not. I have been unfortunate in my investments, and while I was
practising at the Bar I made a good income; but we have always lived up
to it. You see, I have had to entertain a good deal; and then my
Parliamentary career, though short, was very expensive. I know I have
been very foolish, but I kept on that London house when I ought not to
have done so. A man who keeps up two establishments should be rich. I
thought I could afford it at one time, as my investments promised well.
Still, everything has gone to pieces, and I have enormous liabilities.
Had I known how things would have turned out I would never have
a