He waited till Mr. Larrabee was gone, then sent for her to come to him in the library.
She came, looking surprised and annoyed. "What is it, papa?" she said impatiently. "Please be as brief as you can; because I've a world of things to attend to."
"So many that you have not a moment to spare for the father you are going to leave so soon?" he said a little sadly.
"Oh, don't remind me of that!" she cried, a sudden change coming over her manner. "I can't bear to think of it!" and creeping up to him, she put her arms around his neck, while a tear trembled in her eye.
"Nor I," he said, caressing her; "not even if I knew you were going to be very happy so far away from me; and I fear you are not. Gertrude, do you love that man?"
"Why what a question coming from my practical father!" she said, forcing a laugh. "I am choosing for myself, marrying of my own free will; is not that sufficient?"
"I tell you candidly, Gertrude," he answered, "I do not like Mr. Larrabee's looks. I cannot think it possible that you can love him, and I beg of you if you do not, to draw back even now at this late hour."
"It is too late, papa," she returned, growing cold and hard; "and I do not wish it. Is this all you wanted to say to me?"
"Yes," he said, releasing her with a sigh.
She glided from the room and he spent the next half hour in pacing slowly back and forth with his head bowed upon his breast.