"Ah, in that case I will step out to the door and see you off; but I
will not be button-holed by Dick Ellison." He rose and stood eyeing
her, pinching his chin between thumb and forefinger. "You have
something to say to me, I suspect."

"I am going to Kelstein," Hetty began firmly. "I would like to obey
you there, sir, as the others do at home. I do not mean outwardly:
but to feel, while I am absent, that I am earning--" She paused and
cast about for a word.

"You will be earning, of course. There is always satisfaction in
that."

"I am not thinking of money."

"Of my approval, then? Your employer, Mr. Grantham, is an honest
gentleman: I shall trust his report of you."

"Papa, I came to beg you for more than that. Will you not let me
feel that I am earning something more?--that if, as times goes on, my
conduct pleases you, you will be more disposed to consider--to grant
me--"

"Mehetabel!"

"I love him, papa! I cannot help it. Sir--!"

She put out both hands to him, her eyes welling. But he had turned
sharply away from her cry, and strode across the room in his
irritation. Her hands fell, and one caught at the edge of the table