drawing it through his arm.

But she was not be won to any frivolity, so she replied, gravely:

"I should be very glad to have you, papa."

"'Why so pale and wan, fond lover?
Why so pale and wan?'"

he continued, in a tone of mock gravity.

"What is the matter with you to-day, papa, dear?" she inquired, uneasily
regarding him.

"Why do you ask? Because I quote old poetry? My dear, it is to convince
you that I am in excellent humor with all the world, and that you have no
cause to complain of me. I do not intend to enact the role of a 'cruel
parent,' in order to make you a persecuted heroine. I do not even intend
to reproach you with your inconstancy!--though I do hope it is not going
to be a chronic complaint!--because it would be embarrassing, for
instance, if while we were in the midst of the preparations for your
wedding with Anglesea, young Herriott, the new minister, were to come and
beg my indulgence to explain to me how you never really cared for the
colonel, but found your salvation depend on your union with him--Herriott!
And by the time we have adapted ourselves to the new situation, young Dr.
Ingle should solicit a private interview and inform me that you----"

"Oh, papa! don't! don't!" exclaimed the girl, almost surprised into a
smile.

"Well, I will 'don't,' until we get down this hill, which is rather
rugged!" said Mr. Force, as he passed his daughter, and went before her
down the declivity, clearing away the branches of tall bushes that crowded
and obstructed the narrow path.

When they reached the foot of the hill he once more gave her his arm, and
they walked along the sands toward the north--Mr. Force purposely taking
that direction, because it was the opposite one from that which led toward
Greenbushes.

"Now, my darling," he continued, "laying all jokes aside, I wished to talk
to you to-day, to assure you that you need not distress yourself, either
about my fancied disappointment or about Le's fancied despair, when he
shall hear of your change of mind."

"Papa----"

"Hear me out, my darling! Hi! look at that rise of blue necks! If Anglesea
were only here with his gun and dogs! He is a famous shot, my dear! Where
was I? Oh! I say, as for myself, I am quite satisfied to receive Anglesea
as my son-in-law. He is of noble race--there is a marquisate in the
family, though too far removed to do him much good, except in the honor of
the connection. He is