It's I who am selfish."
"Nonsense! Everybody in this world has a right to happiness, Susie; why,
that's one of the foundation-stones of the Declaration of Independence.
And, I take it, a woman's great chance of happiness is in marrying the
man she loves. That's what every woman has a right to do, and nobody has
the right to raise a finger to prevent her. I'll give you to Markeld
with a clear conscience, my dear, when the time comes, and bless you
both. That is, if you really love him."
"Oh, dad!" she cried and hid her face; there is one light in the eyes
which none but a lover may see!
"Quite sure?" he persisted.
"Quite sure!" she said, softly.
"You're sure you're not jumping in the dark; it isn't the Prince you're
in love with?"
"No, dad; it's the man. That seems an awfully bold thing for a girl to
say, doesn't it? But he--he's such a nice fellow!"
"Yes, I believe he is," agreed her father.
"He's been telling me about himself, you know; about what he wants to do
in the world," added Susie, looking up at him.
"Has he?" and her father laughed. "The same old game--effective as ever!
We all do it--why, I remember, Susie--"
He stopped suddenly, with a little tremor in his voice.
"Yes, dad," very softly.
She was leaning forward on his knee, looking up at him.
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