"Know something about it?" "Something, sir." "Then take your place at the desk yonder, and consider the situation and the salary yours." Guly was utterly astonished. It was something so far from his expectations--a promotion he had only aspired to in the future; and to receive such unexpected good fortune was something for which he felt deeply grateful, and he told the merchant so. But, as Guly was moving away, a sudden thought crossed his mind, and with a glance of sorrow, not for himself, but for the bereaved father, he said: "Mr. Delancey, I fear if you knew all you would not feel disposed to do this for me. There are some circumstances I would feel happier to have you know, and then if you still feel thus inclined, I shall take the situation, feeling that I have acted honestly with you." "Whatever you wish to say, speak; I am ready to listen." "Last night I was _there_," said the boy, hesitatingly, scarcely knowing how to tell it; "I saw them married--in the old Cathedral--Mr. Wilkins and--" "Enough!" said the merchant; starting violently; then with an effort regaining his calmness, "don't speak that name in my presence, ever. How came you, young man, to be present at a ceremony you knew was without my sanction or knowledge, and utterly against my will?" "I knew nothing of the circumstances, sir, before hand; not even aware I was to witness a marriage ceremony till after I reached the Cathedral. But I like Mr. Wilkins--have been a warm friend of his since I've been here, and when I found he was to be married, I officiated with pleasure." "Knowing it was my--knowing who the lady was?" "No, sir, not till afterwards--just as they were about to leave; but when I found out the truth, I did congratulate my friend most heartily, for I deem him worthy of any lady in the land, and rejoiced to see him happy." "And they seemed happy. Oh, curses on them!" "Nay, do not curse them. Your daughter's view of happiness was but different from your own, and she has seen fit to follow it out. She shed many tears, no doubt, for her father; but she smiled also many times upon her husband, and I know must have felt much sorrow mingled with her joy. Had she but gone with her father's blessing, how unalloyed would her happiness have been." "He took her for her fortune; curse him, I say! Not a cent of mine shall he ever touch. When poverty falls upon her head, she'll think of what she's lost by her disobedience." "A father's curse is a fearful thing," said Guly with a shudder.