call it by another name; I will own frankly it
was a mistake. I must beg you to make allowances for a very strong
temptation. Under some circumstances a man is not always master of
himself.'

Dr. Ross half smiled. After all, this braw wooer was bearing himself
with manly dignity.

'I hope you will believe me,' continued Cyril earnestly, 'when I say
that I acted with no preconceived intention. My first declaration was
perfectly hopeless. I expected nothing, asked for nothing; on the second
occasion'--here he paused, and, in spite of his nervousness, a light
came in his eyes--'circumstances forced me to speak.'

'Circumstances can be controlled, Mr. Blake. If you had come to me, for
example----'

'It had been my intention to come to you, Dr. Ross, and to tender my
resignation. I had made up my mind that it was my duty to leave this
place. I had even spoken to my mother on the subject. "I love your
daughter, and therefore it will not be right for me to stay." These were
the very words I should have spoken to you, only--she--she--asked me not
to go;' and here the young man's voice trembled.

Dr. Ross's magisterial aspect relaxed a little; his good heart, yearning
only for his child's happiness, began to relent.

'I am quite sure of your affection for Audrey, Mr. Blake.'

'You may be sure of it. There is no proof you could ask that would be
refused by me. If I thought--that is, if you and she thought that this
would not be for her happiness, I should be ready, even now, to go
away.'

'Thank you! I can quite believe that you mean what you say; but I shall
not put you to so severe a proof. My child told me last night that her
mind was made up--indeed, I understand that you and she are already
engaged.'

'Only with your permission, sir.'

'I do not see how I am to withhold it when the girl tells me that her
happiness is involved. I will speak to you plainly, Mr. Blake. You are
certainly not in the position in which I should wish to see my future
son-in-law. A man of your age, at the very beginning of his career, has
no right to think of marrying.'

Cyril flushed.

'I do not think of it. I must work my way before such a thing would be
possible.'

'You mean because you are poor. Poverty is, of course, a serious
obstacle; but just then I was thinking more of position. I should hardly
be willing for my daughter to marry a junior classical master. Her
sister is in a far better position.'

'I shall hope not alway