d gone, why, of course, I had to act my
part. But it was simply acting, for my heart was not in it. And I tell
you, sir, that if old Lim had wiped his bloody hands in my face I would
not have struck him. Chydister is proud, but his pride and mine are not
of the same sort. With him everything must bear upon his future standing
as a physician, and to me that has too much the color of business. I
admit that I was grieved to discover that my daughter was in love with
Alf. I don't say that he is not morally worthy of her or of any young
woman, but he is poor and is indifferently educated, with no prospects
save a life of hard work. And I don't believe that I need to apologize
for desiring to see my daughter well situated. Now, my son regrets the
step which he took and which he urged me to take, and at the earliest
moment he will renew the engagement. I think almost as much of Guinea as
I do of my own daughter. Although she is a country girl, who has led a
most simple life, I hold her a remarkable woman--an original and a
thinking woman, sir. And now what I request you to do is this--soften
her resentment, if you can. There are matches at the corner of the
mantelpiece."

My pipe was out. I lighted it, and did not resume my seat, but stood
looking at him.

"General," said I, "Guinea will never marry your son."

"The devil you say! Pardon me. I didn't mean to be so abrupt. But why do
you think she will not marry him?"

"General, it is now your turn to pardon me, sir. She is to be married by
a man who worships her, not a scientist, but a man with a heart--she is
going to be my wife."

The old man sprang up and in a moment he stood facing me. There was a
footstep at the door and Chydister entered the room.

"Go ahead with your emotional oratory, but pardon me while I look for my
stethoscope," he said. "I want to see what effect an hour's run will
have on the hearts of a hound and an ordinary cur."

"Sir!" cried his father, turning upon him, "this is no time to talk of
the hearts of hounds and curs. The hearts of men are at stake."

"That so? What's up?"

"What's up, indeed, sir? This man says that Guinea Jucklin will not
marry you."

"Yes, so he told me. Now I almost know that I put that thing right up
here."

"'Zounds, man, will you listen to me!"

"Yes, sir, go ahead. He says she won't marry me. That's his opinion,
undemonstrated--a mere assertion; he has given me no proof."

"Ah, have you any proof, Mr. Hawes?