Every thing comes at once," said he. "Just as I am most bothered and
driven down town, this infernal business of Fanny's must needs happen.
One thing I'm sure of--if it was all right it would not be a private
wedding. What fools women are! And Fanny, whom I always thought so
entirely able to take care of herself, turns out to be the greatest
fool of all! This fellow's a booby, I believe, Mrs. Newt. I think I have
heard even you make fun of him. But to be poor, too! To run away with a
pauper-booby, by Heavens, it's too absurd!"

Mr. Newt laughed mockingly, while the tears flowed fast from the eyes of
his wife, who said at intervals, "I vow," and "I declare," with such
utter weakness of tone and movement that her husband suddenly exclaimed,
in an exasperated tone,

"Nancy, if you don't stop rocking your body in that inane way, and
shaking your hand and your handkerchief, and saying those imbecile
things, I shall go mad. I suppose this is the kind of sympathy a man
gets from a woman in his misfortunes!"

May Newt looked shocked and indignant. "Mother, I am sorry for poor
Fanny," said she.

She said it quietly and tenderly, and without the remotest reference in
look, or tone, or gesture to her father.

He turned toward her suddenly.

"Hold your tongue, Miss!"

"Mamma, I shall go and see Fanny to-day," May continued, as if her
father had not spoken. Her mother looked frightened, and turned to her
deprecatingly with a look that said, "For Heaven's sake, don't!" Her
father regarded her for a moment in amazement.

"What do you mean, you little vixen? Let me catch you disobeying me and
going to see that ungrateful wicked girl, if you think fit!"

There was a moment in which May Newt turned pale, but she said, in a very
low voice,

"I must go."

"May, I forbid your going," said Mr. Newt, severely and loudly.

"Father, you have no right to forbid me."

"I forbid your going," roared her father, planting himself in front of
her, and quite white with wrath.

May said no more.

"A pretty family you have brought up, Mrs. Nancy Newt," said he, at
length, looking at his wife with all the contempt which his voice
expressed. "A son who ruins me by his extravagance, a daughter who runs
away with--with"--he hesitated to remember the exact expression--"with a
pauper-booby, and another daughter who defies and disobeys her father.
I congratulate you upon your charming family, upon your distinguished
success, Mrs. Newt. Is th