"You will wait in vain. I will look upon you as a friend if you desire it, but there can be nothing more than friendship between us."
Orton Campbell was very much chagrined, and reported the result of his suit to his father.
"I will speak to her myself," said the father. "As her guardian I ought to have some influence with her."
He soon ascertained, however, that Florence Douglas had a will of her own.
After a time he dropped persuasion and had recourse to threats. "Miss Douglas," he said, "I shall have to remind you that I am your guardian."
"I am quite aware of that fact, sir."
"And I shall remain in that position till you have completed your twenty-fifth year."
"If you take any imprudent steps I shall think it necessary to interfere."
"What do you mean, sir?"