"I won't give him up!" she burst out violently.

"No! not if a thousand fathers ask me!" "I am one father," said Mr.Clare.

"And I don't ask you." In the first astonishment and delight of hearing those unexpected words, she started to her feet, crossed the room, and tried to throw her arms round his neck.

She might as well have attempted to move the house from its foundations.

He took her by the shoulders and put her back in her chair.