"Boy!" he said, in more of a passion than Charles had ever seen him, "Boy, you've made a fool of the matter and of yourself, too!"
"Why, uncle!" replied Charles, in utter astonishment.
"Yes, you have!" continued the old gentleman, "and I am provoked at you. I have always intended to make you my heir, but I shall not do it now, at least, not until you consent to wed Ida."
"Ida does not wish to marry me."
"She'll not object, I know she will not. I have set my heart upon the match, and you must marry her, Charles."
"I am deeply pained to say so, but I cannot."
"You must!"
"Nay, then, I will not!"
"Boy! do you wish to drive me to disinherit and disown you?"
"Disinherit me if you will, but I beg you will not disown me. I have a conscience in this matter; if it was only a whim, I would yield to your wishes."