Sumner Dalton did not reply, but, turning fiercely upon Editha, demanded, in a voice of concentrated passion:
“Is what he says truth?”
“Yes, papa,” she replied, firmly, but with downcast eyes and painfully flushed cheeks.
“You have promised to marry him?” pointing with a shaking finger at Earle, and speaking in the same tone as before.
“Yes, sir.”
“You have dared to do this thing without either my knowledge or sanction? You marry a thing like him!”
The blue eyes were downcast no longer, but flashed up to meet his, with a clear and steady glance.
“Sir!” she began, and her tones, though respectful, were firm and unfaltering, “I was twenty-one years of age some time ago, and I can now, so to speak, act upon my own authority, if I choose. I am, at all events, old enough to know my own mind, and I believe I told you once before that I consider I have a right to judge and act for myself in a matter so vital to my own happiness and interests.”
She paused a moment, and her look of independence changed to one of pain, as she added, more gently:
“I would much to prefer to have your consent and approbation in all that I do, but——”