niece. He had made Emily herself believe that the one strong
passion of his life was his love for her, and this he had done
without ever having asked for her love. And he had even taken
the trouble to allure Dick, and had listened to and had talked
whole pages out of "Bell's Life". On his own behalf it must be
acknowledged that he did love the girl, as well perhaps as he was
capable of loving anyone;--but he had found out many particulars
as to Mr Wharton's money before he had allowed himself to love
her.

As soon as Mrs Roby had gathered up her knitting, and declared,
as she always did on such occasions, that she could go round the
corner without having anyone to look after her. Mr Wharton
began, 'Emily, my dear, come here.' Then she came and sat on a
footstool at his feet, and looked up into his face. 'Do you know
what I am going to speak about, my darling?'

'Yes, papa; I think I do. It is about--Mr Lopez.'

'Your aunt has told you, I suppose. Yes, it is about Mr Lopez.
I have been very much astonished to-day by Mr Lopez,--a man of
whom I have seen very little and know less. He came to me to-day
and asked for my permission--to address you.' She sat perfectly
quiet, still looking at him, but did not say a word. 'Of course
I did not give my permission.'

'Why of course, papa?'

'Because he is a stranger and a foreigner. Would you have wished
me to tell him that he might come?'