eflected with pride that not a man in the
room could boast such a taking little witch for his daughter. Then he
grew grave, and returned to the subject in hand.

"In what way do you propose that I shall give the boy a chance?"

"Continue his allowance for a year, and let him give himself up to his
work! If at the end of the year he has made no headway, it should be an
understanding that he joins you in business without any more fuss; but
if he _has_ received real encouragement,--if even one or two editors
have accepted his verses, and think well of them--"

"Yes? What then?"

"Then you must consider that Ron has proved his point! It is really a
stiff test, for it takes mediocre people far longer than a year to make
a footing on the literary ladder. You would then have to continue his
allowance, and try to be thankful that you are the father of a poet,
instead of a clerk!"

Mr Vane growled again, and, what was worse, sighed into the bargain, a
sigh of real heartache and disappointment.

"I have looked forward for twenty years to the time when my son should
be old enough to help me! I have slaved all my life to keep a place for
him, and now he despises me for my pains! And you will want to be off
with him, I suppose, rambling about the country while he writes his
rhymes. I shall have to say good-bye to the pair of you! It doesn't
matter how dull or lonely the poor old father may be."

Margot looked at him with a reproving eye.

"That's not true, and you know it isn't! I love you best of any one on
earth, and I am only talking to you for your own good. I'd like to stay
in the country with Ronald in summer, for he does so hate the town, but
I'll strike a bargain with you, too! Last year I spent three months in
visiting friends. This year I'll refuse all invitations, so that you
shan't be deprived of any more of my valuable society."

"And why should you give up your pleasures, pray? Why are you so
precious anxious to be with the boy? Are you going to aid and abet him
in his efforts?"

"Yes, I am!" answered Margot bravely. "He has his life to live, and I
want him to spend it in his own way. If he becomes a great writer, I'll
be prouder of him than if he were the greatest millionaire on earth.
I'll move heaven and earth to help him, and if he fails I'll move them
again to make him a good underwriter! So now you know!"

Mr Vane chewed his moustache, disconsolately resigned.

"Ah well! the partne