n which he managed the business of the firm in Africa
was wonderful. He is already a rich man, and will be richer before he
dies. I cannot see any cause for this deep-rooted objection of yours.
As to looks he is, you must confess, as fine a young fellow as there is
in London."

"I wish you not to speak of it or think of it again," said Kate.
"My mind is entirely made up when I say that I shall never marry any
one--him least of all."

"You will think better of it, I am sure," her guardian said, patting her
chestnut hair kindly as he stood over her. "Since your poor father
handed you over to me I have guarded you and cared for you to the best
of my ability. Many a sleepless night I have spent thinking of your
future and endeavouring to plan it out so as to secure your happiness.
I should not be likely to give you bad advice now, or urge you to take a
step which would make you unhappy. Have you anything to complain of in
my treatment of you?"

"You have been always very just," Kate said with a sob.

"And this is how you repay me! You are going to break my son's heart,
and through his mine. He is my only boy, and if anything went wrong
with him I tell you that it would bring my grey hairs in sorrow to the
grave. You have it in your power to do this, or, on the other hand, you
may make my old age a happy one by the knowledge that the lad is mated
with a good woman, and has attained the object on which his whole mind
and heart are set."

"Oh, I can't, I can't. Do let the matter drop."

"Think it over," the old man said. "Look at it from every point of
view. Remember that the love of an honest man is not to be lightly
spurned. I am naturally anxious about it, for my future happiness, as
well as his, depends upon your decision."

John Girdlestone was fairly satisfied with this interview. It seemed to
him that his ward was rather less decided in her refusal at the end of
it, and that his words had had some effect upon her, which might
possibly increase with reflection.

"Give her a little time now," was his advice to his son. "I think she
will come round, but she needs managing."

"If I could get the money without taking her it would be better for me,"
Ezra said with an oath.

"And better for her too," remarked John Girdlestone grimly.

CHAPTER XXVII.

MRS. SCULLY OF MORRISON'S.

One day Major Tobias Clutterbuck was sitting at the window of his little
room smoking his cigarette and sipping hi