no usual, normal father is pleased at parting with his daughter. No. Not
even when he rationally appreciates "Jane being taken off his hands" or
perhaps is able to exult at an excellent match. At bottom, quite deep
down, down in the dark (in some cases only by digging), there is to be
found a certain repugnance . . . With mothers of course it is different.
Women are more loyal, not to each other, but to their common femininity
which they behold triumphant with a secret and proud satisfaction.

The circumstances of that match added to Mr. Smith's indignation. And if
he followed his daughter into that ship's cabin it was as if into a house
of disgrace and only because he was still bewildered by the suddenness of
the thing. His will, so long lying fallow, was overborne by her
determination and by a vague fear of that regained liberty.

You will be glad to hear that Anthony, though he did shirk the welcome on
the quay, behaved admirably, with the simplicity of a man who has no
small meannesses and makes no mean reservations. His eyes did not flinch
and his tongue did not falter. He was, I have it on the best authority,
admirable in his earnestness, in his sincerity and also in his restraint.
He was perfect. Nevertheless the vital force of his unknown
individuality addressing him so familiarly was enough to fluster Mr.
Smith. Flora saw her father trembling in all his exiguous length, though
he held himself stiffer than ever if that was possible. He muttered a
little and at last managed to utter, not loud of course but very
distinctly: "I am here under protest," the corners of his mouth sunk
disparagingly, his eyes stony. "I am here under protest. I have been
locked up by a conspiracy. I--"

He raised his hands to his forehead--his silk hat was on the table rim
upwards; he had put it there with a despairing gesture as he came in--he
raised his hands to his forehead. "It seems to me unfair. I--" He
broke off again. Anthony looked at Flora who stood by the side of her
father.

"Well, sir, you will soon get used to me. Surely you and she must have
had enough of shore-people and their confounded half-and-half ways to
last you both for a life-time. A particularly merciful lot they are too.
You ask Flora. I am alluding to my own sister, her best friend, and not
a bad woman either as they go."

The captain of the _Ferndale_ checked himself. "Lucky thing I was there
to step in. I want you to make yourself