The presence of Mr. Merry made the situation an awkward one, but Aunt Ella was a woman with opinions and was not afraid to express them. So she said: “I suppose your father will disinherit you. I hope that will not mar your future happiness.” “I don't think it will. Harry has a good position, we've got some money in the bank, and we're going to have a nice little flat in Cambridge or Roxbury. I want to see my little nephew, Quincy's boy, and then we are going right back to London.” “Come with me,” said Alice, “and see the baby, but Aunt Ella and I will never consent to your leaving us so soon. You must pay us a long visit.” “I would,” replied Maude, “but for one thing father said to me. We will stay over night, for I have so much to tell both of you.” “Come to the library,” said Aunt Ella. “I will introduce your husband to Sir Stuart, and then we will go to the nursery where we can talk as long as we wish.” When they reached the nursery, Maude's first wish was gratified--she held, and hugged and kissed, and praised her brother's boy. Alice's face beamed with delight. “Now, Maude,” exclaimed Aunt Ella, “why this runaway marriage? Tell us all about it.” Maude laughed. “It's so funny. I told father I was going to marry Mr. Merry, and he about the same as said I shouldn't. He told me not to meet him again unless in his presence or mother's.” “That was reasonable. Why did you object?” asked Aunt Ella. “It wouldn't have done any good. He's opposed to Harry because he isn't rich. Was Nathaniel Adams Sawyer rich when he married your sister, Aunt Ella?” “I should say not. They began housekeeping in three rooms, but my brother-in-law is a born money-maker.” “We're going to have five rooms, and I think Harry has it in him to make money--at any rate I'm going to give him a chance and help him all I can.” “How did you manage to get away?” asked Alice. She remembered that Quincy married her without his father's consent. But for the fact that she became famous by writing a popular book, he would never have welcomed her into the family. In fact, he had been “cornered” and had to surrender. So, she was full of sympathy for Maude, for her own fate might have been similar. “That's the funny part,” said Maude. “I could get away easily enough, but I wanted my clothes and many things that I prized. I knew it was wrong, but I deceived my father. I am sorry for that, but I couldn't give Harry up.” “What did you do?” asked Aunt Ella. “Why, I told father if he wanted to get me away from Harry that he must let me come to England and see Florence. I didn't say I was coming to see you--” “That wouldn't have appealed to him,” interrupted Aunt Ella.