“‘No nonsense about it at all; pray where does the foolish part come in? Is it wrong, papa, to love such a dear fellow as my Eddie?’ “‘It was wrong for a girl of your age to enter into an engagement without consulting any one; and that was what I wished to speak to you about.’ “‘Oh, indeed! was it? Now, you dear old darling, you aren’t going to scold me about it, are you? No, of course you won’t; if you do, I’ll make your tea as weak as water, and I’ll put pepper in your toast till it shall burn you up, indeed I will!’ “‘I couldn’t have the heart to scold my darling!’ “As Mr. Rockland said this he threw his arms round her waist and drew her to his heart, covering her brow with a kiss. Mr. Rockland was vanquished; her charms were irresistible; and the great lawyer, with nerves of steel and an iron will, who could brow-beat witnesses, intimidate judges and over-ride facts, found himself confounded, vanquished and helpless--all done by a pretty face and two large, dreamy blue eyes. The truth of the matter is, Mr. Rockland loved Lottie so devotedly that he was unable to withstand her displeasure. “‘Take a seat, Lottie,’ he said, ‘and let us come to an understanding in this business at once; sit down, and we will talk the matter over dispassionately, like sensible people.’ “Lottie took a chair on the opposite side of the table, and fixing her beautiful eyes on him, said: “‘I’ll hear what you have to say, papa.’ “The man of iron returned the gaze with a cold, calm look. After a long silence he said: “‘Lottie, my dear child, you know I love you as I love life. The only aim I have is to promote your happiness; and I demand of you permission to cancel this foolish engagement which you have so imprudently entered into with Edward Demar. Have I your permission to cancel it?’ “‘Only on condition that Eddie wishes it to be canceled.’ “‘Mr. Demar did not say he wished the engagement canceled; but he agreed that it should be done if you were willing, and authorized me to say as much to you.’ “The blood left her cheeks for a moment, then came back with a tremendous rush, yet she managed to keep calm. “‘Send for Eddie now, papa, and let me hear him say he is willing to annul our engagement.’ “‘That is unnecessary, Lottie; you have my word that such is his wish, and you know me too well to suspect me of prevarication; again I command you to break off this most absurd and imprudent engagement; will you, or will you not, do it? I demand an answer, yes or no?’ “Lottie’s bosom rose and fell with unusual emotion, while her eyes were fixed on Mr. Rockland. “‘Yes or no, Lottie?’ again demanded the man of iron.