
fancy. It would be folly in me to discuss the question. I recognise your right
to have as many secrets as may seem good to you. To talk of forgiveness is the
merest affectation.«
    »No, I spoke sincerely. If it had seemed possible I should gladly have let
you know about this from the first. That would have been natural and right. But
you know what prevented me.«
    »I do. I will try to hope that even a sense of shame had something to do
with it.«
    »That had nothing to do with it,« said Marian, coldly. »I have never had
reason to feel ashamed.«
    »Be it so. I trust you may never have reason to feel repentance. May I ask
when you propose to be married?«
    »I don't know when it will take place.«
    »As soon, I suppose, as your uncle's executors have discharged a piece of
business which is distinctly germane to the matter?«
    »Perhaps.«
    »Does your mother know?«
    »I have just told her.«
    »Very well, then it seems to me that there's nothing more to be said.«
    »Do you refuse to see Mr Milvain?«
    »Most decidedly I do. You will have the goodness to inform him that that is
my reply to his letter.«
    »I don't think that is the behaviour of a gentleman,« said Marian, her eyes
beginning to gleam with resentment.
    »I am obliged to you for your instruction.«
    »Will you tell me, father, in plain words, why you dislike Mr Milvain?«
    »I am not inclined to repeat what I have already fruitlessly told you. For
the sake of a clear understanding, however, I will let you know the practical
result of my dislike. From the day of your marriage with that man you are
nothing to me. I shall distinctly forbid you to enter my house. You make your
choice, and go your own way. I shall hope never to see your face again.«
    Their eyes met, and the look of each seemed to fascinate the other.
    »If you have made up your mind to that,« said Marian in a shaking voice, »I
can remain here no longer. Such words are senselessly cruel. To-morrow I shall
leave the house.«
    »I repeat that you are of age, and perfectly independent. It can be nothing
to me how soon you go. You have given proof that I am of
