not aware that Aster had seriously contemplated taking such a step.'

'I presume, sir,' replied the father, his voice quivering with
displeasure,' that there are many of my daughter's affairs which she
does not feel bound to disclose to strangers.'

'I had thought that I might congratulate myself as one upon the list
of your daughter's friends. Was I not right, Aster?

'I always felt great pleasure, Mr. Gray, in regarding you as my
friend, as one of my most sincere friends. Her colour had risen as
she ended this sentence; and there was a slight tone of defiance in
her voice.

'A fact of which I was not aware,' her father replied, with still
rising choler.

'But you should not be too hard upon Aster,' put in Mr. Ham. 'Girls
thoughtlessly form friendships. You'll forgive her, I know, for this
indiscretion.' Aster turned upon him a look of infinite scorn.

'There is one indiscretion at least, Mr. Ham, for which my father
will never have to pardon me.'

'And what is that, pray, Aster?'

'For counting you upon my list of friends, sir.'

'Leave the room instantly, Aster,' her father almost shouted, while
his face was purple with rage.