It was cruel to wring her secret from her thus; but he was her father and she must bear it as patiently as she could.
His next words, however, acted like an electric battery upon her.
They were spoken hoarsely and menacingly:
“Editha Dalton, you are a fool and I would see your whole life a wreck before I would see you wedded to him!”
“Thank you, papa, for your flattering estimate of my mental faculties, and also for the tender, fraternal interest which you manifest in my future happiness; but if you please we will close the discussion here.”
With uplifted hand, flashing eyes, and a haughty little bend of her slender body, she glided quietly from the room.
“Pride in her port, defiance in her eye.”
Sumner Dalton looked after her in amaze, and ground his teeth in baffled rage.
CHAPTER VIII
HOPES AND FEARS
“Whew!” he exclaimed, after a moment, “my beloved daughter is developing a surprising spirit. I had no idea there was so much grit bottled up in her little body. I shall have to mind my p’s and q’s, or all my plans will amount to nothing; it will not do to arouse her antagonism like this. I must remember the wisdom of Burke, who sagely remarked: ‘He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill; our antagonist is our helper.’ I have no desire to strengthen her nerves, or sharpen her skill—clearly, opposition won’t do for Editha Dalton; we must employ winning smiles, soft speeches and strategy. I must take heed to my ways, else my independent, fiery little banker will yet be refusing me the handling of her plethoric purse, and that, under the circumstances, is a pleasure I should miss exceedingly. Nevertheless, I intend to have my own way about certain matters and things.”