"The appointment, father," she said, archly, "was made last night when the nightingale was singing." He allowed his eyes to rest for a brief space upon hers, and he saw truth and innocence so clearly depicted therein that a deep breath escaped him, as though a weight had been lifted off his heart. But this assurance of his daughter's guilelessness was another argument against the man who, in the father's opinion, was playing upon her feelings. "Go and prepare breakfast, Nansie," said Mr. Loveday. "I will join you presently." "And Kingsley?" she asked. "He will also come?" "We shall see, we shall see," said Mr. Loveday, fretfully. "He and I have much to say to each other." "But I shall expect him," she said, kissing her father; then, with a bright look at Kingsley, she departed. "It was the only way to get rid of her," said Mr. Loveday, with a look of displeasure at the young man. "Even a father is compelled sometimes to practise deceit in his dealings with his children." The implied accusation in this remark was acknowledged by Kingsley in silence. Impulsive and wayward as he was, he was apt to resent an imputation reflecting upon his honor. "But then," continued Mr. Loveday, "a father is often justified in his deceit, especially in such a case as this, when he has to deal with a young and inexperienced girl." His manner was as unfortunate as his matter, and it was impossible to mistake his meaning; but Kingsley exhibited no resentment. "You are bringing an accusation against me, sir," he said. "The least you can do is to set it forth in plain terms." "I will do so. Were I disposed to be lenient--which I am not, because the welfare of my daughter is too near to my heart--I should call your conduct rash and inconsiderate. As it is, I have no hesitation in declaring it to be criminal." "I am glad Nansie is not present to hear you, sir." "I, also, am glad. You know as well as I do that I would not dare to speak so plainly were she here. I should have to temporize with her--in plainer terms, to use some of the arts you have used to entangle her." "Have I used such arts to such a purpose?" asked Kingsley. He was not accustomed to be addressed in such a manner and to be misjudged so promptly. "You make me aware of it for the first time."