care for another man, and father will not give his consent. What's-
his-name has nothing--only a small allowance; he'll never have any
more, he isn't a working man. I know father, he'll never hear of any
one who is not a working man. I wish you'd speak to her."

"I've quite enough to do with my own affairs; I've had bad luck enough
as it is, without running into new difficulties of my own accord."

"If she refuses Berkins, father'll never get over it. I wish you would
speak to her."

"No, don't ask me. I never meddle in other people's affairs. I've had
trouble enough. Now I want to dress."

When Maggie went downstairs, she found her father in the drawing-room.

"The train was a little late to-night. Has Willy come back from
Brighton?"

"Yes, father."

"I've been looking over his accounts and I find he has lost nearly two
thousand pounds in Bond Street, and I don't think he is doing any good
with that agency in Brighton. I never approved of one or the other. I
approve of nothing but legitimate city business. Shops in the West
End! mere gambling. Where is Grace?"

"She's in her room."

"In her room? I suppose she hasn't left it all day? This is very