is man, I shall alter
it to-morrow, and neither of you shall ever receive one cent from me
during my lifetime or at my decease. This sounds like a threat, but it
is only intended to show to the fullest extent in my power how fatal to
your happiness I consider this union would be. I can say no more than
this. I cannot prevent you from marrying Mr. Dale if you are bent upon
it. There are no laws to punish foolish women or mercenary men; but you
must take the consequences. What you have in that box," he continued,
nodding towards me, "is all you will ever receive at my hands. If I am
not mistaken, this young gentleman would play ducks-and-drakes with that
in a very short time. I have said my say, and now you can suit
yourselves."

I had listened to his words with a constantly increasing indignation
that overshadowed the remorse I felt at having disappointed his hopes.
So incensed was I at his aspersions of Roger that I almost laughed when
he spoke of disinheriting me. But the taunt that Roger was courting me
for my money was most galling of all, by very force of reiteration. I
started to my feet once more with a defiant air.

"It is not true. You misjudge Mr. Dale cruelly. To show you, father, how
free our love is from the base and paltry motives you impute, and that
we do not need your help, see there!"

I rushed through the open window which led to the piazza, and before
either my father or Roger divined my intention, hurled with all my might
the box of securities over the railing into the sea beneath. It opened
just before reaching the water, and the contents were submerged by the
seething surf.

I re-entered the parlor with a triumphant air. Roger's face wore a
half-scared look as he began to realize what I had done.

"Mad girl!" cried my father with a sneer. "Mr. Dale will not thank you
for that, I fancy. You have, however, done me an infinite service." He
turned and left the room.

When he was gone, exhausted and unnerved I buried my face on Roger's
shoulder and sobbed bitterly. He tried to soothe me, and finally induced
me to sit down. He sat beside me, holding my hand and urging me to calm
myself. At last I turned to him and said with a sudden transport of new
happiness, and smiling through my tears,--

"I promised to remain true to you, Roger, and I have."

"Yes, dear, I know. When you are a little more composed, we will talk
the matter over seriously."

There was something in his tone that chilled me;