"I understand, father, but--but--what are you going to do?"
"I am going to write to Mr. Maxwell, thank him for his very gentlemanly behaviour, and refuse to sanction the match."
Kaituna flung herself on her knees before him.
"No, no! you will not be so cruel. I love him, papa! Oh, you don't know how I love him."
"I know well enough, Kaituna. You love him so much that you would go and live in a cottage, on dry bread and water. This is youthful folly, and I decline to aid you to ruin your life in such a way. Mr. Maxwell has behaved very badly----"
"No! No!"
"I say he has," replied Pethram, with emphasis; "no gentleman would have acted as he has done. I will write him at once, and if he seeks an interview he shall have it, so that I can tell him to his face my opinion of his conduct."
"Father!"
"Not another word, Kaituna. Rise from your knees, for all your tears won't alter my decision. I won't ask you to dismiss this gentleman; I will do it myself."
His daughter, stung by his cold irony, sprang to her feet with a cry of anger.