"I have no doubt, Ida, but you would make one of the best of wives; but I should fear to wed you, when neither of us loved more ardently than we do." "Why would you _fear_?" "That either or both of us might afterward see some one that we could love as those are expected to, who enter into the solemn obligations of the marriage covenant. The heart is not master of its own emotions; they come and go, regardless of our calls and commands, and we may not count upon being able to control them. How wretched it would cause either of us to be united to each other, while a third party was loved, I leave you to determine for yourself. I have been so accustomed to regard you as a sister, it seems strange to think of you in any other light; and I hope this little passage between us will not mar the freedom of our intercourse." "I am sure I do not intend that it shall; and I think in consenting to become a nearer companion to you than even a sister, I have given ample assurance of my esteem and regard." "We will then continue to be friends, and I will go at once and communicate our decision to my uncle." When Charles related to Mr. Scofield what had transpired between himself and Ida, he saw that his uncle was deeply disappointed and dissatisfied. "Boy!" he said, in more of a passion than Charles had ever seen him, "Boy, you've made a fool of the matter and of yourself, too!" "Why, uncle!" replied Charles, in utter astonishment. "Yes, you have!" continued the old gentleman, "and I am provoked at you. I have always intended to make you my heir, but I shall not do it now, at least, not until you consent to wed Ida." "Ida does not wish to marry me." "She'll not object, I know she will not. I have set my heart upon the match, and you must marry her, Charles." "I am deeply pained to say so, but I cannot." "You _must_!" "Nay, then, I _will not!_" "Boy! do you wish to drive me to disinherit and disown you?" "Disinherit me if you will, but I beg you will not disown me. I have a conscience in this matter; if it was only a whim, I would yield to your wishes." "And you utterly refuse to accede to my desires?" "I do." "Well, I am sorry for you, but I am resolved, seeing you care so little for me, to substitute Ida's name for yours in my will." Charles could bear to be treated harshly, but to be accused of want of affection and gratitude toward the benefactor to whom he owed so much, called tears to his eyes. "You know, uncle, that I love you as I would a father, and it is unjust of you to charge me with a want of affection." Mr. Scofield was moved by the evident distress his words had caused in his nephew's mind, and relenting a very little, he said: "I will try you, then; instead of cutting you off at once, I give you a week to consider the matter over; if, in that time, you find you love me well enough to accede to my wishes, well and good; if not, I will surely do as I have said."