I don't want to be anyone's wife.

I want to be your daughter--only to be your daughter." He comforted her with kisses and soothing smoothings of the hair.

No, no, he said; he would not be selfish.

He would remember that a father was the trustee of his child's happiness.
"But I know I can only be happy with you, my father!" she cried; but it was of no avail.

He, being a father and not a mother, was unable to perceive what was in the girl's heart.