He glanced around at the superb young beauty, with her glowing cheeks and flashing eyes, and inquired, sarcastically:

“Well, what is it? A big dry-goods bill for me to pay?”

“Not this time, dear grandpapa,” cooed Amber, sweetly.

“Then it’s a big check to buy jewelry or folderols. You never come wheedling around me like this for nothing,” retorted the crusty old judge in a tone of conviction.

“Oh, how cruelly I am misunderstood,” sighed the girl, and after a moment of profound silence for effect, she continued:

“I came to talk to you about Violet.”

“Umph!”

“Are you determined to make her marry Mr. Castello?”

“I have sworn it!” curtly.

“In spite of her love for Cecil?”