"
Kate's voice trembled. As she uttered the last few words, she lost
control of herself, and bent forward, and hid her face upon her
father's arm.
Mr. Darlington, as might well be supposed, was taken altogether by
surprise at so unexpected an announcement. The language used by his
daughter needed no interpretation. She was the maiden beloved by his
clerk.
"Kate," said he, after a moment or two of hurried reflection, "this
is a very serious matter. Edwin is only a poor clerk, and you--"
"And I," said Kate, rising up, and taking the words from her father,
"and I am the daughter of a man who can appreciate what is excellent
in even those who are humblest in the eyes of the world. Father, is
not Edwin far superior to the artificial men who flutter around
every young lady who now makes her appearance in the circle where we
move? Knowing him as you do, I am sure you will say yes."
"But, Kate----"
"Father, don't let us argue this point. Do you want Edwin to go
away?" And the young girl laid her hand upon her parent, and looked
him in the face with unresisting affection.
"No dear; I certainly don't wish him to go.
Pages:
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339