sh of her
life. A widower for the last twelve years, his chief delight had been to
humour her. His voice, as he passionately swore that never with his
consent should his daughter marry the son of Hezekiah Grindley, sounded
strange to her. Pleadings, even tears, for the first time in her life
proved fruitless.

Here was a pretty kettle of fish! That Grindley junior should defy his
own parent, risk possibly the loss of his inheritance, had seemed to both
a not improper proceeding. When Nathaniel George had said with fine
enthusiasm: "Let him keep his money if he will; I'll make my own way;
there isn't enough money in the world to pay for losing you!" Janet
Helvetia, though she had expressed disapproval of such unfilial attitude,
had in secret sympathised. But for her to disregard the wishes of her
own doting father was not to be thought of. What was to be done?

Perhaps one Peter Hope, residing in Gough Square hard by, might help
young folks in sore dilemma with wise counsel. Peter Hope, editor and
part proprietor of _Good Humour_, one penny weekly, was much esteemed by
Solomon Appleyard, printer and publisher of aforesaid paper.

"A good fellow, old Hope," Solomon would often impress upon his managing
clerk. "Don't worry him more than you can help; things will improve. We
can trust him."

Peter Hope sat at his desk, facing Miss Appleyard. Grindley junior sat
on the cushioned seat beneath the middle window. _Good Humour's_ sub-
editor stood before the fire, her hands behind her back.

The case appeared to Peter Hope to be one of exceeding difficulty.

"Of course," explained Miss Appleyard, "I shall never marry without my
father's consent."

Peter Hope thought the resolution most proper.

"On the other hand," continued Miss Appleyard, "nothing shall induce me
to marry a man I do not love." Miss Appleyard thought the probabilities
were that she would end by becoming a female missionary.

Peter Hope's experience had led him to the conclusion that young people
sometimes changed their mind.

The opinion of the House, clearly though silently expressed, was that
Peter Hope's experience, as regarded this particular case, counted for
nothing.

"I shall go straight to the Governor," explained Grindley junior, "and
tell him that I consider myself engaged for life to Miss Appleyard. I
know what will happen--I know the sort of idea he has got into his head.
He will disown me, and I shall go off to Africa."