"And should not you, as his daughter, consider this a most conclusive reason? Ought not your father's wishes and feelings be considered first?"
"You may see it so, Uncle; but I cannot say that I do."
"Emily," and Uncle Joseph spoke in an excited tone of voice, "If you hold these sentiments, you are unworthy of such a man as your father!"
"Brother, you must not speak to the girls in that way," said Mrs. Ludlow.
"I shall always speak my thoughts in your house Margaret," was the reply; "at least to you and the girls. As far as Mr. Ludlow is concerned, I have rarely occasion to differ with him."
A long silence followed, broken at last by an allusion to some other subject; when a better understanding among all parties ensued.
On that evening, Mr. Ludlow seemed graver than usual when he came in. After tea, Emily said, breaking in upon a conversation that had become somewhat interesting to Mr. Ludlow—
"I'm not going to let you have a moment's peace, Pa, until you consent to go to England with us this season."
"I'm afraid it will be a long time before I shall have any peace, then, Emily," replied the father, with an effort to smile, but evidently worried by the remark. This, Florence, who was sitting close by him, perceived instantly, and said—
"Well, I can tell you, for one, Pa, that I don't wish to go. I'd rather stay at home a hundred times."