"I cannot help it, papa. You know how obedient I have always been to you; but in this case I really cannot give way." "Yes, yes, yes, Rhoda! you obey me in a thousand unimportant things, but now there is something upon which a great deal of our future turns you refuse." "I cannot--I never could love Mr Tregenna, papa." "He is a thorough gentleman, is he not?" "Yes--oh, yes!" "And handsome, and well-informed, and clever. A thoroughly polished-- there, quite a ladies' man." "Ladies' man!" exclaimed Rhoda, in tones of disgust. "Handsome and well-informed, of course, papa." "Well then, my dear," said Mr Penwynn, ignoring Rhoda's peculiar look. "What more do you want?" "Papa! do you think I want to marry a ladies' man?" said Rhoda, scornfully. Mr Penwynn looked at the bright flushed face, and felt as proud as he did vexed. He was seated at a writing-table, and the blotting-paper before him bore testimony to his annoyance, for it was covered with the initials of unpleasant words, which he kept dotting down to relieve his feelings--a habit in which he indulged sometimes at the office, as Mr Chynoweth was well aware. He nearly spoiled a new quill pen in dashing down another letter, and then went on,-- "No, no, of course not, Rhody; but Tregenna is not a silly dandy. Besides, as I have before told you, he is very useful to me, and an alliance with him would be most valuable. There, there--you must think the matter over." "I cannot, papa. I have told Mr Tregenna plainly that he must not hope." "Nonsense, my dear; take time. Let the matter rest awhile. Be friends with him, and in a few months you will be ready to regret this hasty decision." "No, papa," said Rhoda, decidedly. "Mr Tregenna can never be more to me than an acquaintance." "You have not heard any thing--any serious--there, any scandal?" "I, papa? I have heard that he is too attentive--there, it is not that." "Then try not to be so foolish, my dear. I am going down to the office, and I shall see Tregenna again to-day. Let me tell him that he is not to look upon the matter as finally closed. Poor fellow! I never saw a man look so dejected. I could not have believed that he would take it so to heart." "Papa," said Rhoda, impetuously, "I have promised Mr Tregenna that we should continue friends. If you lead him to believe that he is to persevere with his suit, I shall absolutely hate him."