'Who,' asked Mrs. Arundel, ringing the bell up-stairs, 'who is with Miss Elsie below?'
On hearing that it was Mr. George Austin, whose presence in the house was forbidden, Mrs. Arundel rose solemnly and awfully, and walked down the stairs. She had a clear duty before her. When she threw open the door, the lovers were hand in hand dancing round the room laughing—but the tears were running down Elsie's cheeks.
'Elsie,' said her mother, standing at the open door, 'perhaps you can explain this.'
'Permit me to explain,' said George.
'This gentleman, Elsie, has been forbidden the house.'
'One moment,' he began.
'Go, sir.' She pointed majestically to the window.
'Oh!' cried Elsie. 'Tell her, George—tell her; I cannot.' She fell to laughing and crying together, but still held her lover by the hand.
'I will have no communication whatever with one who robs me of a daughter,' said this Roman matron. 'Will you once more leave the house, sir?'
'Mother—you must hear him.'