tion, "I would not be harsh or unjust. There is but one way to
reconcile our opposing wills, since you are determined on this scheme of
independence. You have told me your plan--will you accept mine?"

"Let me hear it, father," answered Nathanael respectfully.

"You have hitherto had nothing from me--your Uncle Brian insisted on
that--nor will you ever have much; I must keep my property intact for
the next heir of Kingcombe Holm. Nothing shall alienate the rights of
my eldest son, with whom rests the honour of our family and name."

Agatha noticing the determined pride with which her father-in-law said
this, wondered that her husband listened with a lowered aspect and made
no response. She thought it unbrotherly, unkind.

"But," continued Mr. Harper, "though the chief of all I possess must
remain secure for Frederick, I have a little besides, saved for my
daughters' portions. If, with their consent, I lend you this, and you
will embark in some profession"--

"No, father, no! I will never take one farthing from you or my sisters!
I will not again be burdened with other people's property! Oh for the
days when I earned my own solitary bread from hand to mouth, and was
free and at rest!"

He spoke excitedly, and was only conscious of the extent of what he had
said by feeling his wife's hand drop slowly from his own.

"Nay, Agatha, I did not mean"--and he tried to draw it back again.
"Forgive me."

"Perhaps we have both need to forgive one another."

No one heard this mournful whisper between the young husband and wife;
they stood as if it had not been uttered--for both their consciences
felt duty to be a bond as strong as love.

And then, on the painful silence which sank over all four, smote ten
heavy strokes of the hall-clock, warning the swift passage of time--too
swift to be wasted in struggle, regret, and contention. Anne rose, her
pale face seeming to have that very thought written thereon.

"My dear friends, listen to me a minute. Here is one who all this time
has not spoken a word, and yet the question concerns her more than any
of us. Let Agatha decide."

The old man hesitated. Perhaps in his heart he was desirous of a
compromise. Or else he judged from ordinary human nature, that the pride
of the young wife would ally her on his side, and so win over a will
which any father looking into Nathanael's face could see was not to be
threatened into concession.

"_Pas aux dames,_" said Mr. Harper, with a p