gnified surprise, hastily withdrawing the
hand which he had seized. "I cannot understand, Mr. Campbell," she said,
"what can have induced you to address me in this manner."

"I don't know why you should be surprised, Miss Douglas," returned Orton
Campbell, offended.

"I have never given you any reason to suppose that I regarded you with
favor."

"You have always seemed glad to see me, but perhaps that was only
coquetry," said Orton, in a disagreeable manner.

"I certainly have never treated you with more than ordinary politeness,
except, indeed, as my residence in your father's house has necessarily
brought us nearer together."

"I don't think, Miss Douglas, you would find me a bad match," said the
young man, condescending to drop his sneering tone and plead his cause.
"I am already worth a good sum of money. I am my father's partner, and I
shall become richer every year."

"It is not a matter of money with me, Mr. Campbell. When I marry, that
will be a minor consideration."

"Of course, because you have a fortune of your own."

"Yes," said Florence, regarding him significantly, for she suspected
that it was rather her fortune than herself that he desired, being no
stranger to his love of money.

Perhaps he understood her, for he continued: "Of course I don't care
for that, you know. I should offer myself to you if you had nothing."

This Florence Douglas thoroughly disbelieved. She answered coldly, "I
thank you for the compliment you pay me, but I beg you to drop the
subject."

"I will wait."

"You will wait in vain. I will look upon you as a friend if you desire
it, but there can be nothing more than friendship between us."

Orton Campbell was very much chagrined, and reported the result of his
suit to his father.

"I will speak to her myself," said the father. "As her guardian I ought
to have some influence with her."

He soon ascertained, however, that Florence Douglas had a will of her
own.

After a time he dropped persuasion and had recourse to threats. "Miss
Douglas," he said, "I shall have to remind you that I am your guardian."

"I am quite aware of that fact, sir."

"And I shall remain in that position till you have completed your
twenty-fifth year."

"That is quite true, sir."

"If you take any imprudent steps I shall think it necessary to
interfere."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"I shall not allow you to fall a prey to any designing fortune-hunter."

"You need not fear, sir: I a