He answered, however, with some hesitation: "But, my dear young lady--Your Father's wishes!--Confidence between father and child--" Here she interrupted him; there was a tinge of red in her pale cheeks as she did so: "Do you really think that applies to the present circumstances, Mr.
Marvin?
My Father never told me anything of his affairs; and I can now, in this sad extremity, only learn his wishes through a gentleman who is a stranger to me and of whom I never even heard till I got my Father's letter, written to be shown to me only in extremity.

Mr.Ross is a new friend; but he has all my confidence, and I should like him to be present.

Unless, of course," she added, "such a thing is forbidden by my Father.

Oh! forgive me, Mr.Marvin, if I seem rude; but I have been in such dreadful trouble and anxiety lately, that I have hardly command of myself." She covered her eyes with her hand for a few seconds; we two men looked at each other and waited, trying to appear unmoved.

She went on more firmly; she had recovered herself: "Please! please do not think I am ungrateful to you for your kindness in coming here and so quickly.