"'Mr. Birchmore, I cannot take this for an answer. You have given me no reasons. If you want confirmation of my account of myself, I can----' "'I want nothing of the sort; on the contrary, I feel complimented that you should accept _us_, not only without confirmation, but without question. But you can't marry my daughter, Gainsborough, much as I like you, and much as I daresay she does. When you are older, you will understand that men cannot always follow that course in the world which appears to them most desirable.' "'However young or old I may be, Mr. Birchmore, I am old enough to know my own mind, and to require good reasons for changing it. If you have any such reasons, I wish you'd show your liking for me by telling me what they are.' "'Do you remember a talk we once had in Paris, when you hinted that I should accompany you on your jaunt? I told you then that the past life of a man sometimes had a hold over his present, constraining his freedom, whether he would or no. And can't you imagine that those circumstances, however cogent they may be, or, very likely, just because they are so cogent, might be very inconvenient to talk about? To speak plainly, Gainsborough, I don't see how your loving my daughter obliges me to tell you all the secrets of my life.' "'I don't want to know your secrets, sir; I wish to marry Miss Birchmore.' "Mr. Birchmore laughed. "'Well, you're a pretty determined wooer,' said he. 'I can't give my consent to the match, because--well, because I cannot; but if you won't take No for an answer, nor profit by the warning I hereby give you, I'll tell you what I will do. I will allow you yourself to discover and acknowledge the causes which make your marriage with Kate impossible. You must not blame me if the discovery gives you pain, and the acknowledgment causes you mortification. I have given you fair warning. And I will only add, sir, that the pain and mortification won't be all on your side. I could not give you a stronger pledge of my friendship and liking for you than in thus letting you find out what has hitherto been hidden from all the world. And I only demand one condition--that you promise, when you have made your discovery, and left us, never to mention to any human being what our secret was.' "'I give that promise with pleasure. As to my leaving you of my own free will, that is--begging your pardon--impossible and absurd.' "He laughed again, and shot another of his startling looks at me. 'Very well, young sir, I've nothing more to say. Come with us to the farmhouse to-morrow; there's plenty of room there, and they are used to being accommodating. Stay with us until you're satisfied, and then--don't forget your promise!' "He rose as he finished speaking, and flung away the remains of his cigar. "'Good-night!' he said, holding out his large well-shaped hand. "'Good-night! and thanks for your confidence, which you will never regret, Mr. Birchmore.'