Flora did not join the family at the tea-table, on that evening, for her mind was a good deal disturbed, and she wished to regain her calmness and self-possession before meeting her father.
Mr.Johnson was sitting in a moody and angry state of mind about an hour after supper, when a domestic came into the room and said that Mr.Watson was in the parlor.
"What does he want here ?" asked Mr.Johnson, in a rough, excited voice.
"He asked for Miss Flora," returned the servant.
"Where is she ?" "In her room." "Well, let her stay there.

I'll see him myself." And without taking time for reflection, Mr.Johnson descended to the parlor.
"Mr.Watson," said he, coldly, as the young man arose and advanced towards him.
His manner caused the visitor to pause, and let the hand he had extended fall to his side.
"Well, what is your wish ?" asked Mr.Johnson.He looked with knit brows into Watson's face.
"I have called to see your daughter Flora," returned the young man, calmly.
"Then, I wish you to understand that your call is not agreeable," said the father of the young lady, with great rudeness of manner.
"Not agreeable to whom ?" asked Watson, manifesting no excitement.
"Not agreeable to me," replied Mr.Johnson.

"Nor agreeable to any one in this house." "Do you speak for your daughter ?" inquired the young man.
"I have a right to speak for her, if any one has," was the evasive answer.
Watson bowed respectfully, and, without a word more, retired from the house.
The calm dignity with which he had received the rough treatment of Mr.Johnson, rebuked the latter, and added a feeling of shame to his other causes of mental disquietude.
On the next day Flora received a letter from Watson, in part in these words-- "I called, last evening, but was not so fortunate as to see you.
Your father met me in the parlor, and on learning that my visit was to you, desired me not to come again.

This circumstance makes it imperative on me to declare what might have been sometime longer delayed--my sincere regard for you.

If you feel towards me as your father does, then I have not a word more to say; but I do not believe this, and, therefore, I cannot let his disapproval, in a matter so intimately concerning my happiness, and it may be yours, influence me to the formation of a hasty decision.