ering to her to leave us, she sped away, and I was left alone with
her angry parent. That he _was_ angry I judged from his face; nor was I
wrong in my conjecture.

"Mr. Hatteras," he said severely, "pray what does this mean? How is it
that I find you in this undignified position with my daughter?"

"Mr. Wetherell," I answered, "I can see that an explanation is due to
you. Just before you came up I was courageous enough to tell your
daughter that I loved her. She has been generous enough to inform me
that she returns my affection. And now the best course for me to pursue
is to ask your permission to make her my wife."

"You presume, sir, upon the service you rendered my daughter in Sydney.
I did not think you would follow it up in this fashion."

"Your daughter is free to love whom she pleases, I take it," I said, my
temper getting a little the better of my judgment. "She has been good
enough to promise to marry me--if I can obtain your permission. Have you
any objection to raise?"

"Only one, and that one is insuperable! Understand me, I forbid it once
and for all! In every particular--without hope of change--I forbid it!"

"As you must see it is a matter which affects the happiness of two
lives, I feel sure you will be good enough to tell me your reasons?"

"I must decline any discussion on the matter at all. You have my answer,
I forbid it!"

"This is to be final, then? I am to understand that you are not to be
brought to change your mind by any actions of mine?"

"No, sir, I am not! What I have said is irrevocable. The idea is not to
be thought of for a moment. And while I am on this subject let me tell
you that your conduct towards my daughter on board this ship has been
very distasteful to me. I have the honour to wish you a very
good-evening."

"Stay, Mr. Wetherell," I said, as he turned to go. "You have been kind
enough to favour me with your views. Now I will give you mine. Your
daughter loves me. I am an honest and an industrious man, and I love her
with my whole heart and soul. I tell you now, and though you decline to
treat me with proper fairness, I give you warning that I intend to marry
her if she will still have me--with your consent or without it!"

"You are insolent, sir."

"I assure you I have no desire to be. I endeavour to remember that you
are her father, though I must own you lack her sense of what is fair and
right."

"I will not discuss the question any further with you. You know m