“And suppose I have! Does the mere meeting of one of your young whipper-snappers constitute a knowledge as to who and what he is? Do _you_ know him?” “Yes, sir, I believe I do.” “And what do you know of him?” “That he is a young man of virtuous principles.” “And I suppose you also know that he aspires to your hand.” “I do,” calmly replied Eunice, letting her eyes fall to the floor. “And you favor his presumption, I plainly see.” “For that, father, I am not to blame,” returned Eunice, in the same low, subdued voice. “I cannot help loving virtue and all manly excellencies combined, when they offer themselves for my love.” “Girl!” ejaculated Mr. Townsend, passionately, “I forbid, positively and unequivocally, all alliance with this low born, presumptuous fellow. If you disobey me, I will discard you forever!” “I will not disobey you, father,” answered Eunice, in a tremulous voice, “though obedience cause my heart to break.” And rising, she retired from the room, and went up into her chamber to weep. So unexpected a reply, as well as the manner and tone in which it was made, a little surprised the father. The passion into which he had worked himself was all gone, and he stood half wondering at his loss of excitement. The even temper of Eunice, during the trying scene, and her prompt self-denial in a matter so vital to her happiness, he could not help feeling as a reproof upon his own harsh, hasty, and imperious spirit. Alone, in her chamber, Eunice wept long and bitterly, at this frost-breath upon the tender leaves of her heart’s young hopes. But she did not weep despairingly--she had faith in time. CHAPTER VII. MERCENARY LOVE. With a smoother surface ran the stream of Eveline’s love. Mr. Pascal met the full approval of all her friends, as well as of her own heart. And yet, that stream contained some deep, dark places, and there were hidden things therein. Though a contract for marriage was understood to exist, it had never been formally made, and sometimes unpleasant doubts would cross the maiden’s mind. Her lover had remained abroad a very long time, and, since his return, had seemed, if there were really any change in him, colder than before. Eveline tried to think that this was not so, but still the impression haunted her every now and then, and produced a feeling of disquietude.