That she was a minor, and according to the law he could dispose of her in marriage.

That she must accompany him whither he was going; that certainly I should not do so, and much more of the same sort.
When at last he had tired himself out and smashed his favourite pipe upon the table, Marie spoke, saying: "My father, you know that I love you dearly, for since my mother's death we have been everything to each other, have we not ?" "Surely, Marie, you are my life, and more than my life." "Very well, my father.

That being so, I acknowledge your authority over me, whatever the law may say.

I acknowledge that you have the right to forbid me to marry Allan, and if you do forbid me--while I am under age, at any rate--I shall not marry him because of my duty to you.

But"-- here she rose and looked him full in the eyes, and oh! how stately she seemed at that moment in her simple strength and youthful grace!--"there is one thing, my father, that I do not acknowledge--your right to force me to marry any other man.