“The man of iron returned the gaze with a cold, calm look. After a long silence he said:
“‘Lottie, my dear child, you know I love you as I love life. The only aim I have is to promote your happiness; and I demand of you permission to cancel this foolish engagement which you have so imprudently entered into with Edward Demar. Have I your permission to cancel it?’
“‘Only on condition that Eddie wishes it to be canceled.’
“‘Mr. Demar did not say he wished the engagement canceled; but he agreed that it should be done if you were willing, and authorized me to say as much to you.’
“The blood left her cheeks for a moment, then came back with a tremendous rush, yet she managed to keep calm.
“‘Send for Eddie now, papa, and let me hear him say he is willing to annul our engagement.’
“‘That is unnecessary, Lottie; you have my word that such is his wish, and you know me too well to suspect me of prevarication; again I command you to break off this most absurd and imprudent engagement; will you, or will you not, do it? I demand an answer, yes or no?’
“Lottie’s bosom rose and fell with unusual emotion, while her eyes were fixed on Mr. Rockland.
“‘Yes or no, Lottie?’ again demanded the man of iron.
“‘Dear, dear papa, for Heaven’s sake don’t ask me to be false to the man I love! I’ll not marry him until he returns from Philadelphia; by that time I will be better able to make you a sensible answer, but I beseech you not to press me so now; you know how I love you—you know how much I appreciate your kindness to me; listen, therefore, to my entreaty—grant me time for reflection.’