'I have learned from your aunt,' said Lee, who was just a little too portentously grave, 'that there exists a romantic attachment between a certain Mr. Frank Hay and you. I understand you are firmly persuaded that you and this gentleman love each other with an unchangeable love. I will grant that Mr. Hay is a handsome, high-spirited young man. I do not remember to have seen him; but I give my daughter credit for not falling in love with a booby. I admit that first love is the most ecstatically delightful thing in the world. I say, I subscribe to all that and as much more as you like in the same strain; but--' and here he became very severe--'I have to inform you that from this day you must cease to see, or correspond with Mr. Frank Hay.' 'O father!' Lee, enjoying his power, and as much a spectator of the scene as an actor in it, continued coldly, 'It will be hard I know; but your friends have acted very wisely in coming between you. Girls should never be allowed to choose husbands, and never are in well-regulated families. You may think me plain-spoken and harsh, perhaps; but I have a habit of coming to the point; and, notice, of never returning to it. The matter is settled.' 'But, sir----' 'What! have I not said it is settled? I do not mean, however, to do you out of a husband.' Muriel shivered, and her face became white. 'My friend, Mr. Briscoe, who saved my life is still a young man; and I intend to have him for a son-in-law.' Lee's eyes dilated with exultation. His novel was going to turn out a masterpiece. 'Marry Mr. Briscoe!' 'It rests with him,' said Lee. 'What! Your daughter must marry this Mr. Briscoe if he wants her, whether she likes or not?' 'I am glad,' said Lee in a truly regal style, 'that you apprehend the matter so clearly.' 'I am bewildered,' said Muriel. 'You seem to be; but it is wise of you not to object. I hope to find you always a dutiful daughter.' Lee left the room. A time-piece on the mantelshelf rang eight. The blood returned to Muriel's cheeks, and she ran out of the house to the north wall. CHAPTER V THE ART OF PROPOSING When Dempster left the library on the entrance of Muriel, he met Miss Jane at the door of that room. She proposed a turn in the park as the evening was doing honour to the glorious day. They went out together and wandered to Muriel's elm. Dempster's suit was the subject they discussed. She urged him to make a proposal that night, and promised to procure him an opportunity. Dempster was willing, but in great straits how to proceed. 'You see,' he said, 'I never did a thing of the kind before. Then you know Muriel is not aware that I'm in love with her. If she knew that, then I could go at it like a--professor.' It is to be feared he intended to say 'nigger,' and only substituted the more refined but equally enigmatic word by an exhaustive effort of brain power, whose external manifestation was the usual wriggle.