“Let her alone, Fred. Why do you tease the child? I declare you two are always at odds over something!”
“No, Minna, that’s not so. I always indulge Betty——”
“Oh, yes, after I’ve coaxed you to do so. You’re an unnatural father, Fred, you seem possessed to frown on all Betty’s innocent pleasures.”
“I don’t want her getting married and going off and leaving us——” he growled, still looking angry.
“Well, the baby isn’t even engaged yet,—don’t begin to worry. And, too, that is in the mother’s province.”
“Not entirely. I rather guess a father has some authority!”
“Oh, yes, if it’s exercised with loving care and discretion. Don’t you bother, Betty, anyway. Father and mother will settle this little argument by ourselves.”
“I’d rather settle it with Dad,” Betty declared spiritedly. “It’s too ridiculous for him to take the stand that I shall never marry! I’m willing to promise not to become engaged without asking you both first; I’m willing to say I won’t marry a man you can convince me is unworthy; I’m willing to promise anything in reason,—but a blind promise never to marry is too much to ask of any girl!”
“Of course, it is!” agreed Mrs Varian. “Why do you talk to her like that, Fred?”
“Because I propose to have my own way for once! I’ve given in to you two in every particular for twenty years or more. Now, I assert myself. I say Betty shall not marry, and I shall see to it that she does not!”