The two men drew a deep breath at the sound of the little decisive word,
but with a difference . Kemp's face shone exultantly. Levice pressed his
lips hard together as the shuddering breath left him; his heavy-veined
hands were tightly clinched; when he spoke, however, his voice was quite
peaceful.

"It is an old and just custom for parents to be consulted by their children
upon their choice of husband or wife. In France the parents are consulted
before the daughter; it is not a bad plan. It often saves some unnecessary
pangs--for the daughter. I am sorry in this case that we are not living in
France."

"Then you object?" Kemp almost hurled the words at him.

"I crave your patience," answered the old man, slowly; "I have grown
accustomed to doing things deliberately, and will not be hurried in this
instance. But as you have put the question, I may answer you now. I do
most solemnly and seriously object."

Ruth, sitting intently listening to her father, paled slowly. The doctor
also changed color.

"My child," Levice continued, looking her sadly in the face, "by allowing
you to fall blindly into this trouble, without warning, with my apparent
sanction for any relationship with Christians, I have done you a great
wrong; I admit it with anguish. I ask your forgiveness."

"Don't, Father!"

Dr. Kemp's clinched hand came down with force upon his knee. He was white