“But if I prefer another?” stammered Erle.
“Tut, tut, boy, you will soon get over your fancy,” returned Mr. Huntingdon, impatiently. “Most young men have half a dozen flirtations before they settle down. I suppose I need not tell you that I strictly prohibit any visits to Mrs. Trafford for the future. If you infringe this rule it will be at your own risk;” and then he continued more earnestly—“Erle, I am determined that you shall not disappoint me. You are my adopted son, and I trust my future heir. I have a right to count on your obedience. Come to me to-morrow, and tell me you and Miss Selby are engaged, and all will be well between us.” Then, pressing his shoulder gently, and in a voice no one had heard from him since his daughter’s loss—“I am an old man, and my life has not been a happy one. Do not let me feel that you have disappointed me too.”
CHAPTER XXVIII.
“I WANT HIM SO.”
No shade has come between
Thee and the sun;
Like some long childish dream
Thy life has run;
But now the stream has reached
A dark deep sea,
And sorrow, dim and crowned,