Even Daniel Bolton thought that the young man should have a chance,--by saying which he was supposed to declare that the question ought to be left to the arbitrament of the young lady.

The old banker was unhappy and ill at ease.

He could not reconcile himself at once to so great a change.

Though he felt that the excessive fears of his wife, if indulged, would be prejudicial to their girl, still he did not wish to thrust her out into the world all at once.

Could there not be some middle course?
Could there not be a day named, some four years hence, at which she might be allowed to begin to judge for herself?
But his three sons were against him, and he could not resist their joint influence.