‘Yes, he would do that, believing that time would take the edge off my anger, and that I should end by leaving you mistress of my estates. He would speculate upon the chances of the future, and then when I died and left you nothing, you would have to pay for his disappointment. A life of poverty and complaint, discontent, and upbraiding. Be reasonable, Beatrix. Let the bitter experience of my life govern yours. Great inequality of fortune between husband and wife means that one of the two is dupe or victim. Wait till a suitor approaches you who has advantages to offer equal to those you can give. You are tired of this gloomy home--you want to spread your wings and fly. Be patient for a little while. For your sake I will come out of my shell. I will take you to great cities. You shall see the world, and make your own choice, but make it wisely. This first choice of yours is only a girl’s fancy, and means nothing.’ ‘It means life or death, papa,’ she answered, firmly. ‘I shall never change.’ ‘And you deliberately refuse to obey me?’ ‘Yes, I refuse to sacrifice my happiness at your bidding. If you had loved me it would have been different. Your love would have filled my heart. But my heart was as empty as a desert. I had nothing but the memory of my mother, and that was full of sorrow----’ ‘Hush!’ said Christian Harefield. ‘Do not speak of your mother.’ ‘Why should I not?’ exclaimed Beatrix, haughtily. ‘She was good, and pure, and noble. My heart tells me that. Nothing you could say against her would shake my faith in her. I love her memory better--better than anything upon this earth--except Cyril.’ She said this softly, and for the first time since she had entered her father’s presence a maidenly blush dyed her face. ‘Go,’ said Christian Harefield, ‘you and I are as likely to agree as fire and water. Go. I have no more to say to you. Take your own course.’ She went to the door without a word, but, with her hand upon the lock, paused, faltered, and came slowly back to the hearth. Unconsciously she repeated the conduct of Desdemona after her rebellious marriage. She knelt at her father’s feet, took his hand, and kissed it. ‘Forgive me for disobeying you,’ she pleaded. ‘The sacrifice you require is too great.’ He answered not a word, but when she had reached the door he said, ‘So long as you are in my house, and under age, I shall insist upon obedience. You are to go no more to the Vicarage--understand that.’ ‘Very well, papa.’ CHAPTER X. TWO LOVE LETTERS. PROUDLY as Beatrix had carried herself while she was face to face with her father, her firmness gave way all at once when she left him, and she burst into a flood of tears.