This gave Dorothy a better confidence, and she began to hope that things in the end might come fairer than they threatened.

"No," repeated Mr.Harley with even greater courage, and smoothing her black, thick hair in a fatherly way, "you shall never be asked to marry the scoundrel.

That I promise; and let him do his worst." And now, when both were measurably recovered from the shame and the shock of it, Mr.Harley began to elaborate.

He went no further, however, than just to point out how nothing was really required of Dorothy beyond those common courtesies good women exhibit to what men the respectable chances of existence bring into their society.

He said nothing, asked nothing concerning her love for Richard: he appeared to consider that love admitted, and found no fault with it.