“Pshaw!” cried Lettice, gayly. “People can get married any day, but it isn’t every day that one has a chance of welcoming back war-stained veterans.” “Can get married any day, eh? Well, I haven’t found that I could, or I’d have been a Benedict something over a year.” “This is better than Dartmoor Prison, isn’t it, Joe?” said his uncle. “Sh! Sh! Let us have no such reminiscences to-day,” said Betty. And then they all went into the house to discuss the dinner, over the preparation of which Aunt Martha had spent much anxious thought. CHAPTER XX. _Her Valentine._ Lettice was not long in seeking a private talk with her father, there was so much that each wanted to say without the presence of listeners; and when many of the sad things had been talked over, and when the gladness of the present again enfolded them, her father drew the girl close to him. “And what is this I hear of an impecunious young fellow who has dared to make love to my daughter?” he said. “He didn’t, father, he really didn’t; he couldn’t help himself, for it was in a moment of great suspense.” And she told him the circumstances. “And you have not given him any reason to hope he may win you?” “No-o. I don’t know. I like him, you know.” She twisted a button on her father’s coat round and round. “Ah-h!” he shook his head. “That will not do, my baby. You are too young to judge of what is best for you. Give him no more thought. I cannot have my little girl throw herself away upon a poverty-stricken fellow with no means of livelihood and not likely to have any. You are still too young to have this weigh long upon you, my love. Be guided by your daddy, who thinks only of your happiness, and give up this young man, if you love me.” Lettice’s lip quivered, but she said bravely: “But suppose I cannot help loving him, father. I would not love you any the less; and it would only mean that I would always be at home with you, if I were faithful to him the rest of my life.” “You have not seen him? He has kept his word to William that he would not try to see you till my return?” “Yes; but I know he is as true to me as I am to him. If you say so, father, I will not see him again, and I know he would not have me do anything to make you unhappy, but--” She put her head on her father’s shoulder to hide her wet eyes. Mr. Hopkins looked troubled. “Well, my love, well, just let me have time to look further into the matter. I didn’t realize that you felt so about it. Don’t let your old dad make you unhappy upon this very first day of his home-coming. Cheer up now, and let it rest as it is for the present. I promise you to give the subject my best attention.”