It is probable, that, but for this, Ralph Colleton would scarcely have borne so meekly the severe look which the father now bestowed upon his daughter.
Though not the person to trouble himself much at any time in relation to his child, Colonel Colleton had never once treated her unkindly.

Though sometimes neglectful, he had never shown himself stern.

The look which he now gave her was new to all her experience.

The poor girl began to conceive much more seriously of her offence than ever;--it seemed to spread out unimaginably far, and to involve a thousand violations of divine and human law.

She could only look pleadingly, without speech, to her father.