'O father!'
Lee, enjoying his power, and as much a spectator of the scene as an actor in it, continued coldly, 'It will be hard I know; but your friends have acted very wisely in coming between you. Girls should never be allowed to choose husbands, and never are in well-regulated families. You may think me plain-spoken and harsh, perhaps; but I have a habit of coming to the point; and, notice, of never returning to it. The matter is settled.'
'But, sir——'
'What! have I not said it is settled? I do not mean, however, to do you out of a husband.'
Muriel shivered, and her face became white.
'My friend, Mr. Briscoe, who saved my life is still a young man; and I intend to have him for a son-in-law.'
Lee's eyes dilated with exultation. His novel was going to turn out a masterpiece.
'Marry Mr. Briscoe!'
'It rests with him,' said Lee.
'What! Your daughter must marry this Mr. Briscoe if he wants her, whether she likes or not?'