in the way. I told him
that, as my girl's happiness was involved, I could not find it in my
heart to withhold my consent.

'"You are certainly not in the position in which I should wish to see my
son-in-law," I said to him; "but I will speak to Charrington, and see
what is to be done."

'Well, I have spoken, and Charrington only promised the other day that
he would push him on. I have no doubt at all that, with my interest and
standing in the place, Cyril would have had a house in time, and
Audrey's position would have been equal to her sister's.'

'And you mean to say that all this is at an end?'

'Of course it is at an end!' almost shouted the Doctor; 'and Cyril's
career is practically at an end, too. Do you suppose any public school
in England would employ a master whose relatives are so disreputable
that he is obliged to make use of an assumed name? When I refuse to
allow him to marry my daughter, I must give him his _conge_ at the same
time.'

'Then in that case he is a ruined man;' and to this Dr. Ross gave a
sorrowful assent.

'How am I to help myself or him, Mike? I will do all in my power to
soften the weight of this blow to him; but when all is at an end between
him and Audrey, how am I to keep him in Rutherford? The thing would he
impossible. He would not wish it himself. He is very proud and
high-spirited by nature, and such a position would be intolerable to
him. No, he must go; but if money will help him, he may command me to
any reasonable amount.'

'He will not take your money;' and then he added 'Poor beggar!' under
his breath.

'You will stand by me, Mike?'

'Most certainly I will; but I mean to befriend Blake, too, as far as he
will let me.'

'I should not think he would refuse your sympathy; a man needs someone
at such a time. But when I spoke I was thinking of my girl. You have
great influence with her, Michael; sometimes I think no brother's
influence could be stronger. How would it be if she were to hear the
news first from you?'

Then Michael recoiled as though someone had struck him in the face.

'Impossible! I could not tell her. I would rather be shot!' he returned
vehemently.

'Well, it is not a pleasant business, and I suppose I must do it myself;
only the idea crossed my mind that perhaps it might come better from
you. I shall not be able to refrain from indignation; I am apt to get a
little warm sometimes.'

But Michael firmly negatived this notion.

'It will go hard