"
"So many that you have not a moment to spare for the father you are going
to leave so soon?" he said a little sadly.
"Oh, don't remind me of that!" she cried, a sudden change coming over her
manner. "I can't bear to think of it!" and creeping up to him, she put her
arms around his neck, while a tear trembled in her eye.
"Nor I," he said, caressing her; "not even if I knew you were going to be
very happy so far away from me; and I fear you are not. Gertrude, do you
love that man?"
"Why what a question coming from my practical father!" she said, forcing a
laugh. "I am choosing for myself, marrying of my own free will; is not
that sufficient?"
"I tell you candidly, Gertrude," he answered, "I do not like Mr.
Larrabee's looks. I cannot think it possible that you can love him, and I
beg of you if you do not, to draw back even now at this late hour."
"It is too late, papa," she returned, growing cold and hard; "and I do not
wish it. Is this all you wanted to say to me?"
"Yes," he said, releasing her with a sigh.
She glided from the room and he spent the next half hour in pacing slowly
back and forth with his head bowed upon his breast.
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