"Sit you down and listen," said his wife. The letter which she had written ran thus;—
"My Dear Father,—I have received the cheque which you were kind enough to send me. I thank you for it."
"Your letter, however, pained me. You seem to think that I have wantonly disobeyed you. I have not; I have only acted honourably and conscientiously."
"I cannot but feel sorry for you when I think of the useless and self-inflicted sufferings which you endure."
"As for your property, I am happy to state that we have enough, and to spare.
"Father; if ever you require our aid; if ever you feel that you would like to speak to us or to see us, do not hesitate; a daughter's and a son-in-law's love will you always find in us."
"Your affectionate daughter,
"Adèle."
Frank was smiling. "I think that will do very nicely," he said.
When Mr. Rougeant read his daughter's missive, he uttered a cry of contempt. "Require your aid,—well, I shall have to sink low. You love me."—He banished the thought from him, for his heart was already softening under the influence of those words.