{160} was with the understanding that Marvel was to come to me when
she was fifteen or sixteen. But, as you urged, when I brought the
matter up at that time, she was then just completing her preparation
for college. Since she desired college training, it was certainly
easier and simpler for her to have it at Midwest than elsewhere. I
put aside my own preferences, because the arguments in favor of her
remaining with you were weighty. But it does not seem to me just or
right that I should be deprived of my daughter's society entirely,
because I waived my preference as to her education. I feel that she
has been deprived of my influence, and I of her companionship,
already too long.

As I understand it, she graduated a year ago, and has since been
abroad. It seems to me this winter will be an {161} excellent time
for her to come to me. I shall have an apartment in Chicago, and she
will find it easy to arrange for post-graduate work if she desires.
I shall be less busy than usual, for my health has given way a
little under the strain of my work, and the doctor has warned me to
rest as much as possible. I am looking forward with pleasure to
introducing her to my friends, my life, my ideas.

When will it be most convenient for her to come? I should say about
the first of October.

As ever, my dear Paul,
Your sincere friend,
CLARISSA CHARLEROY.

"Well, really!"

Marvel dropped the letter on the floor and turned to face her family
with more than a suggestion of belligerence. {162} Her cheeks were
flushed, her blue eyes burning, and her head held high with a little
air that reminded her auditors swiftly and inevitably of Clarissa
Charleroy's self.

"Dear people, what do you look so frightened for?" she demanded. "I
call it very cheeky of my mother to make such a demand of me. Does n't
she realize that I'm a person with a career of my own--and that when
I'm not busy with that, I have to keep my eye on you two! I have n't
the slightest intention of leaving home--so you need n't look like
_that!_"

Marvel's little harangues usually met with instant response from her
family. They were wont to brighten and become argumentative, even when
they disagreed. But neither of them answered this pronouncement.

Her father sat by an open window, {163} looking out upon the garden's
gayety with unseeing eyes. His wife sat at an other window watching
him wistfully, while Marvel faced