“Did I arise an hour before the sun, think you, to preach politics to my mistress?”
“You recall the hour to me now. It seems I must bid you farewell. My maid even now is tapping on my door. Do, pray then, depart.”
The young man appeared cut to the heart at the parting. He sighed so deeply that Wistaria could not bear to gaze upon him, and, conscious of the impatient presence within, she drew her windows back hastily and shut out the sight of her lover from her. Then she faced her father within.
“You have heard all, honored parent?”
“Everything.”
“You are a witness of my continued efforts. I fear we have learned all there is to know.”
“Your opinion was not asked,” replied the father, coldly. “Your services are all I require. You will resume them to-morrow.”
The Lady Wistaria prostrated herself before her parent with the utmost humility.
“I am prepared to obey your august will in all things,” she murmured, in the most filial and submissive of voices.