But the old man she had thought so kind and gentle rose up angrily and caught her hand.
"You are mad—mad, girl, to think of throwing over Teddy Darrell for this miserable actor! You shall not do it!" he cried, violently.
Kathleen tore her little white hand from his clasp in haughty amazement.
"You have no right to control my actions!" she exclaimed; and he sunk back into his chair and covered his face with his hand.
"True, true!" she heard him murmur, dejectedly. "I have no authority over my brother's child. I am only a poor, humble old farmer, and my advice is not desired, even though I would save my brother's only child from wrecking her life for the sake of an unwise love! So be it. I will go now, a sadder, wiser old man."
The pitiful words touched the girl's heart, melting her resentment.
She knelt by him and drew the hand away from his moist eyes, murmuring, remorsefully:
"Dear Uncle, forgive me. I was hasty, and am sorry that I wounded you. What would you have me do?"
"To marry Mr. Darrell," he replied, firmly.