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24 almost alone in the world, not liking or indulging in the usual frivolties of society and fashion. Her life was spent in art, and among artists. She was a great friend and admirer of Ouida, and it was at the studio of the latter, where she had met young Royle, who was one of the students much favored by the great sculptress.

Salmon was in his office dictating a number of very important communications to his stenographer. Happening to glance out of the window overhanging the street, he saw something that evidently caused him great annoyance. A moment later there was a quick, nervous rap at the door, and a young girl exquisitely dressed, entered, and coming up, threw her arms around the lawyer's neck and kissed him. He received the embrace with coldness.

"Why, father, what is the matter?" said Marie.

"Matter? It is ridiculous for you to ask such a question. I saw you just a moment ago on the street, part company with Milton Royle. You know you always displease me by your association with him."

"I can't help it," said the girl, her voice tinged with unutterable sadness. "I make no concealment of my love for Milton. I like to be with him, and am with him whenever he can spare the time from his studies."

"And yet you know it angers me beyond expression."

"And, I think, sir, without reason. You have not a word to say against Milton's character, and because you had trouble with his father before we were born, you want to make us miserable."

"Now, Marie, you know that is not all. I want you to marry a man worthy of you."

"Then let me have Milton," she pleaded.