"Don't you know," continued his father, "that in the station in life to which I can restore you, you can have your choice of hundreds of young ladies?"
"This is my station in life," replied Jack, "and the best thing about it, Dad, is that I did not have to have you put me here, and as for Ida, she does not know any other life, and I hope she never learns."
"Is this Miss Anderson a relative of theirs?" asked his father.
"No; just a friend who has taught this little school ever since I came here," answered Jack.
"A very able teacher," commented Mr. Norton.
"How do you mean?" queried Jack.
"This Miss Gully did not acquire her genteel manner from her parents, did she? And you say this is the only life she has ever known," said his father.
"Miss Anderson has taken a great deal of interest in Ida," said Jack, "and she learns very readily."
"Will you postpone this marriage until you have made final proof on your claim, and give me one year of your life?" asked his father.
"No, sir," Jack answered.