But then his daughter referred to the matter,--very plainly, with a simple question, and without disguise of her own feeling, but still in a manner which he could not bring himself to rebuke.

"Aunt Harriet has asked me once or twice to go there of an evening, when you have been out.

I have declined because I thought Mr.Lopez would be there.

Must I tell her that I am not to meet Mr.Lopez, papa ?" "If she has him there on purpose to throw him in your way, I shall think very badly of her." "But he has been in the habit of being there, papa.

Of course if you are decided about this, it is better that I should not see him." "Did I not tell you that I was decided ?" "You said you would make some further inquiry and speak to me again." Now Mr.Wharton had made inquiry, but had learned nothing to reassure himself;--neither had he been able to learn any fact, putting his finger on which he could point out to his daughter clearly that the marriage would be unsuitable for her.