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90 His father was as treacherous as an Indian, and I believe in heredity."

"And I in love," said Marie.

"And I shall be silent henceforth on the subject. Stern though I seem, I love you, my darling child, and your happiness is my one aim in life."

"Then withdraw your opposition to Milton, for I will only be completely happy when you shall admit him to your heart as a son."

"Ah, well," said Salmon with a sigh, thinking of the girl's dead mother, "I will think upon it. I must now go in to see Ouida. I will not be long detained. Remain without until I return."

"I will yet win him over. God alone knows how I have worried over Milton's long and extraordinary silence."

A moment and right upon the street, she felt warm arms around her, and a heart breathing next her own.

"Marie," was all that Milton said.

"Milton!" she exclaimed, "what a surprise to father. Your name has just left my lips. My father and I have just been indulging in another portion of our perpetual quarrel over you. Why have you been so long silent?"

"Silent, dearest," said he in surprise.

"I have not received a line from you in six months."

"Then my mail must have been miscarried, for I wrote almost as frequently as usual."

"Almost? Why not just as often?" she said, rather piqued.

"For the last few months I have been more than absorbed in my work, for the annual competition at Rome, and moments were golden."