“No, my dear Muriel; I am actuated by the truest affection for my little ward, and desire to snatch her from future humiliation. My knowledge of human nature is more extended, more profound than yours, but since you seem unwilling to avail yourself of my experience, it only remains for you to acquaint me with your determination. Are you willing to tell me the nature of your answer?”
“I intend to accede to Gerard’s wish, and will defer the marriage until November; but in the meantime, I shall endeavor to win back his heart, which I believe has been artfully enticed from me.”
“By whom?”
She made no reply, and lifting her head from his shoulder, Dr. Grey looked keenly into her face, and repeated his question.
“Do not urge me to express suspicions that may possibly be unjust.”
“That are entirely unjust, you may rest assured,” said he, almost vehemently.
“By what means did you so positively ascertain that fact?”
“The result will prove. Now, my dear child, you must acquit me of heartlessness and cruelty when I tell you, that, under existing circumstances, I cannot and will not consent to the solemnization of your marriage until you are of age. Once the conviction that an earlier consummation of your engagement was essential to the happiness of both parties, overruled the dictates of my judgment, and induced me to acquiesce in your wishes; but subsequent events have illustrated 397 the wisdom of my former opposition, and now I am resolved that no argument or persuasion shall prevail upon me to sanction or permit your marriage until you are twenty-one.”
With a sharp cry of chagrin and amazement, Muriel sprang to her feet.
“You surely do not mean to keep me in this torture, for nearly three years? I will not submit to such tyranny, even from Dr. Grey.”