ould any girl be afraid of entrusting her future to him?'

Dr. Ross sighed. Audrey's mind was evidently made up. Why had he brought
this misfortune on them all by engaging this fascinating young
master--for he certainly looked upon it as a misfortune. After all, was
it any wonder that Cyril Blake, with his perfect face and lovable
disposition, had found his way to his daughter's heart? 'Why could he
not have fallen in love with someone else?' he groaned to himself; for
Audrey was the very apple of his eye, and there was no one he thought
good enough for her, unless it were Michael. Not that such an idea ever
really occurred to him. Michael's ill-health put such a thing out of the
question; but Michael was his adopted son, and far above the average of
men, in his opinion.

'Father, you will remember that my happiness is involved in this,'
Audrey said, after a little more talk had passed between them. 'You will
be good to Cyril when he speaks to you to-morrow.'

'Oh yes; I will be good to him.'

And then Audrey laid her hot cheek against him, and thanked him as she
bid him good-night; but when she had gone there were no debates read
that night--Dr. Ross had too many thoughts to occupy him as he sat alone
in his empty study.

CHAPTER XXIV

'I FELT SUCH A CULPRIT, YOU SEE'

'Still, it seems to me that love--true and profound love--should be
a source of light and calm, a religion and a revelation, in which
there is no place left for the lower victories of vanity.'--AMIEL.

It cannot be denied that Cyril Blake had rather a hard time of it in the
Doctor's study. Dr. Ross received him kindly; but his kindness was a
trifle iced as he shook hands with the young man, and then seated
himself in his big easy-chair. He groaned inwardly: 'I am an old fool,'
he thought, 'ever to have brought him here. How confoundedly handsome
the fellow is! if one could only honestly dislike him!' and then he
assumed a judicial aspect as he listened to the culprit.

On the whole, Cyril acquitted himself fairly; he was very pale, and
hesitated a little over his words; but he stated his case with
sufficient eloquence. His love for Audrey bore him triumphantly even
through this ordeal.

'You have reason to be angry with me,' he said with ingenuous frankness.
'I had no right to speak to Miss Ross until I had gained your permission
to do so.'

'It was certainly a grievous mistake, Mr. Blake.'

'You are very kind not to