Mrs. Morgan simply said, "Walter, you have disgraced yourself and the mother that bore you. And I never wish to see you again."
Athalia trembled and quailed before the storm of angry words and envenomed looks that surrounded her. How gladly would she have escaped. It was too late.
"Father, your consent."
"Never! You, my only son, marry a common sewing girl, never."
"It is too late. Here is my marriage certificate."
His father opened his mouth to curse him. What for? He had married a girl he loved—a girl, handsome, virtuous, industrious, but poor—a seamstress.
"A letter, sir;" said a servant.
"Give it me."
He tore it open and read;
"Sir:—
"Yours of the 12th inst. came too late. News reached the city an hour before that the Matilda was——"