that I shall be able to surmount all difficulties by my own efforts."

"Really, I cannot listen to such nonsense any longer," broke in Mr.
Beach angrily. "Leonard, this is nothing less than an impertinence. Of
course any understanding that may have existed between you and Jane is
quite at an end. Engagement! I heard of no engagement. I knew that there
was some boy and girl folly between you indeed, but for my part I never
gave the matter another thought."

"You seem to forget, sir," said Leonard, keeping his temper with
difficulty, "that not six months ago you and I had a long conversation
on this very subject, and decided that nothing should be said to my
father of the matter until I had taken my degree."

"I repeat that it is an impertinence," answered Mr. Beach, but with a
careful avoidance of the direct issue. "What! You, who have nothing in
the world except a name which you father has--well--tarnished--to
use your own word, you ask me for my dear daughter's hand? You are so
selfish that you wish not only to ruin her chances in life, but also to
drag her into the depths of your poverty. Leonard, I should never have
thought it of you!"

Then at last Leonard broke out.

"You do not speak the truth. I did not ask you for your daughter's hand.
I asked you for the promise of it when I should have shown myself worthy
of her. But now there is an end of that. I will go as you bid me but
before I go I will tell you the truth. You wish to use Jane's beauty to
catch this Jew with. Of her happiness you think nothing, provided only
you can secure his money. She is not a strong character, and it is quite