"The young
man--the happy lover--generally does that. But just as you please!"
It pleased Catherine to think that she should be brave for his sake,
and in her satisfaction she even gave a little smile. "Women have
more tact," she said "they ought to do it first. They are more
conciliating; they can persuade better."
"You will need all your powers of persuasion. But, after all,"
Morris added, "you are irresistible."
"Please don't speak that way--and promise me this. To-morrow, when
you talk with father, you will be very gentle and respectful."
"As much so as possible," Morris promised. "It won't be much use,
but I shall try. I certainly would rather have you easily than have
to fight for you."
"Don't talk about fighting; we shall not fight."
"Ah, we must be prepared," Morris rejoined; "you especially, because
for you it must come hardest. Do you know the first thing your
father will say to you?"
"No, Morris; please tell me."
"He will tell you I am mercenary."
"Mercenary?"
"It's a big word; but it means a low thing. It means that I am after
your money."
"Oh!" murmured Catherine softly.
The exclamation was so deprecating and touching that Morris indulged
in another little demonstration of affection. "But he will be sure
to say it," he added.
"It will be easy to be prepared for that," Catherine said. "I shall
simply say that he is mistaken--that other men may be that way, but
that you are not.
Pages:
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90