"Papa! Papa! Don't do that. I love him! I want to marry him!" Then, after a pause, stamping her foot, "I will marry him."

"Will you? I'm afraid not," replied Pethram, coldly; "you are under age, remember."

"Oh, what shall I do! what shall I do," cried the girl, tearfully, raising her head.

"Behave like a sensible woman, and give up this madness."

"No, I will not. I will be true to Archie!"

Pethram shook his head with a vexed air.

"My dear child, you are really very foolish. I don't wish to argue any more on the subject."

"You are going to write to--to Mr. Maxwell?"

"At once."

"And refuse to let him marry me?"