r. Ross could hardly believe his ears as he heard this. 'My
child,' he said, with a touch of sternness, 'it is very easy to
understand. Cyril is not to blame--he is as innocent as you are; but the
son of Matthew O'Brien can never be my son-in-law.'

'No,' she returned slowly, 'I suppose not. I ought not to be surprised
to hear you say that.'

'It is what any father would say, Audrey.'

'Anyhow, it is for you to say it, if you think it right, and it is for
me to obey you.'

Then he put his arm round her with an endearing word or two. She was his
good, obedient child--his dearly-loved daughter, who had never grieved
him in her life.

'I trust I may never grieve you,' she replied gently; but there was a
great solemnity in her eyes. 'Father, if you tell me that I must not
marry Cyril, I shall be compelled to obey you; but it will break my
heart to think that your mind is fully made up on this point.'

'My darling, you are both very young, and in time----' He stopped,
arrested by the strangeness of her look.

'You think that we shall get over it: that is your meaning, is it not?
But I am afraid you are wrong. Cyril loves me too well; he would never
get over it.'

'But, my dear----'

'Father, will you listen to me for a moment? You need not fear that I
should ever disobey you--you are my father, and that is enough. But I
shall live in the hope that you will change your mind.'

'My child, I must forbid that hope. I cannot let you cheat yourself with
any such false supposition. My mind will know no change in this matter.'

'Then, in that case, I shall never marry Cyril. If you cannot give me
your blessing on my marriage, I will remain as I am--Audrey Ross. But,
father, I shall never give him up! Never--never!'

'If Cyril be the man I think him, he will give you up, Audrey; he will
be far too proud and honourable to hold you to your engagement.'

'That may be,' she answered a little wearily. 'I know the strong
pressure that will be put on him. You will have no difficulty with him;
he will do as you wish. My poor Cyril! how can he do otherwise? But all
the same, I shall be true to him as long as he and I live. I shall feel
that I belong to him.'

'But, my darling, do be sensible. When the engagement is broken off you
will be free, utterly free.'

But she shook her head.

'I shall never be free while Cyril lives. Father, you do not understand.
He may set me free to-morrow, but I shall still consider myself boun