"Then you may take him my compliments and assure him that he will not."
"But, papa, the gig is at the door. I have come to say good-bye."
"Ah, in that case I will step out to the door and see you off; but I will not be button-holed by Dick Ellison." He rose and stood eyeing her, pinching his chin between thumb and forefinger. "You have something to say to me, I suspect."
"I am going to Kelstein," Hetty began firmly. "I would like to obey you there, sir, as the others do at home. I do not mean outwardly: but to feel, while I am absent, that I am earning—" She paused and cast about for a word.
"You will be earning, of course. There is always satisfaction in that."
"I am not thinking of money."
"Of my approval, then? Your employer, Mr. Grantham, is an honest gentleman: I shall trust his report of you."
"Papa, I came to beg you for more than that. Will you not let me feel that I am earning something more?—that if, as times goes on, my conduct pleases you, you will be more disposed to consider—to grant me—"
"Mehetabel!"
"I love him, papa! I cannot help it. Sir—!"