mind me of that!" she cried, a sudden change coming over her
manner. "I can't bear to think of it!" and creeping up to him, she put her
arms around his neck, while a tear trembled in her eye.

"Nor I," he said, caressing her; "not even if I knew you were going to be
very happy so far away from me; and I fear you are not. Gertrude, do you
love that man?"

"Why what a question coming from my practical father!" she said, forcing a
laugh. "I am choosing for myself, marrying of my own free will; is not
that sufficient?"

"I tell you candidly, Gertrude," he answered, "I do not like Mr.
Larrabee's looks. I cannot think it possible that you can love him, and I
beg of you if you do not, to draw back even now at this late hour."

"It is too late, papa," she returned, growing cold and hard; "and I do not
wish it. Is this all you wanted to say to me?"

"Yes," he said, releasing her with a sigh.

She glided from the room and he spent the next half hour in pacing slowly
back and forth with his head bowed upon his breast.

The door bell rang and the servant came in with a card.

Mr. Ross glanced at it, read the name with a look of pleased surprise, and
said, "Show the gentleman in here."

The next moment the two were shaking hands and greeting each other as old
and valued friends.

"I'm very glad to see you, Gordon!" exclaimed Mr. Ross; "but what happy
chance brought you here? Are you not residing somewhere in the West?"

"Yes; in St. Louis; and it is not a happy chance, but a painful duty that
has brought me to you to-night."

He spoke hurriedly, as if to be done with an unpleasant task, and Mr.
Ross's pulses throbbed at the sudden recollection that Larrabee also was
a resident of St. Louis.

He turned a quick, inquiring look upon his friend. "Out with it, man! I'm
in no mood to wait, whether it be good news or ill."

Gordon glanced toward the door.

Mr. Ross stepped to it and turned the key; then coming back, seated
himself close to his friend with the air of one who is ready for anything.

"Phil, my old chum," said Gordon, clapping him affectionately on the
shoulder, "I heard the other day in St. Louis, that Larrabee was about to
marry a daughter of yours, and I took the first eastern bound train and
traveled night and day to get here in time to put a stop to the thing. I
hope I'm not too late."

"What do you know of the man?" asked Mr. Ross steadily and looking Gordon
full in the eye, but with a paling cheek.