Betty smiled and attempted to kiss the belligerent face looking down at her. But Frederick Varian repulsed the offered caress and said, sternly: “I want no affection from a wilful, disobedient child! Give me your word, Betty, to respect my wishes, and I’ll always be glad of your loving ways.” But Betty was angry now. “I’ll give you no such promise! I shall conduct myself as I please with my friends and my acquaintances. You know me well enough to know that I never do anything that is in bad form or in bad taste. If I choose to flirt with the young men, or even, as you call it, encourage them, I propose to do so! And I resent your interference, and I deny your right to forbid me in such matters. And, too, I’ll go so far as to warn you that if you persist in this queer attitude you’ve taken,—you’ll be sorry! Remember that!” Betty’s eyes flashed, but she was quiet rather than excited. Varian himself was nervous and agitated. His fingers clenched and his lips trembled with the intensity of his feelings and as Betty voiced her rebellious thoughts he stared at her in amazement. “What _are_ you two quarreling about?” came the surprised accents of Mrs Varian as she came out through the French window from the library and looked curiously at them. “Oh, Mother,” Betty cried, “Dad’s gone nutty! He says I never can marry anybody.” “What nonsense, Fred”; she did not take it at all seriously. “Of course, Betty will marry some day, but not yet. Don’t bother about it at present.” “But Daddy’s bothering very much about it at present. At least, he’s bothering me,—don’t let little Betty be bothered, Mummy,—will you?” “Let her alone, Fred. Why do you tease the child? I declare you two are always at odds over something!” “No, Minna, that’s not so. I always indulge Betty——” “Oh, yes, after I’ve coaxed you to do so. You’re an unnatural father, Fred, you seem possessed to frown on all Betty’s innocent pleasures.” “I don’t want her getting married and going off and leaving us——” he growled, still looking angry. “Well, the baby isn’t even engaged yet,—don’t begin to worry. And, too, that is in the mother’s province.” “Not entirely. I rather guess a father has some authority!” “Oh, yes, if it’s exercised with loving care and discretion. Don’t you bother, Betty, anyway. Father and mother will settle this little argument by ourselves.” “I’d rather settle it with Dad,” Betty declared spiritedly. “It’s too ridiculous for him to take the stand that I shall never marry! I’m willing to promise not to become engaged without asking you both first; I’m willing to say I won’t marry a man you can convince me is unworthy; I’m willing to promise anything in reason,—but a blind promise never to marry is too much to ask of any girl!” “Of course, it is!” agreed Mrs Varian. “Why do you talk to her like that, Fred?”