"Speak to him, dear mother; he will heed what you say."
Mrs. Rushmere shook her head sorrowfully.
"It is of no use attempting to reason with angry men. It only makes matters worse. To contradict an obstinate man in a rage, is to add fuel to the fire. Go to your bed, Gilbert, your father will forget all about it to-morrow."
"I don't care whether he does or not. My mind is made up. If he is indifferent to my happiness, and unjust to the woman I love, I will no longer work like a slave for him. From this hour I am my own master."
He turned and held out his hands to Dorothy.
"Come, Dorothy, darling, come with me. Let us seek our fortunes in the world together. Here we have no longer a home. See if this strong arm cannot win one for you."
"I have been the cause of all the trouble, Gilbert. Be reconciled to your father, and let me go my way in peace."
"How! Do you reject my offer, Dorothy?" He spoke in tones of suppressed anger. "You surely will not refuse to become my wife!"
"Yes—under existing circumstances. I will never bring sorrow under the roof that has sheltered me," said Dorothy, firmly, without daring to raise her eyes to her lover's face.
"Look at me, Dorothy. Look at me straight in the eyes, and then tell me that you mean what you say."