“‘Not another moment will I give you to make an answer to such a sensible request; any girl whose judgment was not choked with a foolish infatuation would be able to answer such a reasonable demand without a moment’s reflection. Do you wish to tie yourself to a man who is anxious to get rid of you?’
“‘No, no! a thousand times, no, papa; and no one knows this better than you.’
“‘Then, Lottie, for the last time, I demand authority from you to cancel this foolish engagement; will you, or will you not, give it?’
“‘Not unless Eddie wishes it,’ was the calm reply.
“At last the man of iron lost his temper:
“‘Then, Miss Wallingford, you will oblige me by seeking a home elsewhere.’
“‘Oh, papa, dear, darling papa! please unsay those cruel words! I am not afraid of hardships; neither am I afraid of poverty, but it is your displeasure that I dread more than all. I love you truly, earnestly, devotedly, as much as any child ever loved a parent. Oh, papa, revoke those cruel words!’
“‘Leave me, leave me!’ thundered the lawyer, as he pushed Lottie away from him rather roughly. She retreated to the farther end of the room and stared at Mr. Rockland with astonishment, while a mysterious change came over her. She approached the table, took a seat, and hastily penned a note to Edward Demar:
“‘DEAR EDDIE—Come to me as quickly as you can. I wish to consult you on important business. Yours,
“‘LOTTIE.’