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 "Yes, I should think that he is net the sort of man who goes wrong. There is nothing hidden about him. As to his brightness, it really does not matter, for his aunt, Mrs. Westmacott, is very rich, much richer than you would think from her style of living, and she has made him a handsome provision.”

“I am glad of that.”

“It is between ourselves. I am her trustee, and so I know something of her arrangements. And when are you going to marry, Clara?”

“Oh, papa, not for some time yet. We have not thought of a date.”

"Well, really, I don’t know that there is any reason for delay. He has a competence and it increases yearly. As long as you are quite certain that your mind is made up"

“Oh, papa!”

"Well, then, I really do not know why there should be any delay. And Ida, too, must be married within the next few months. Now, what I want to know is what I am to do when my two little companions run away from me.” He spoke lightly, but his eyes were grave as he looked questioningly at his daughter.

“Dear papa, you shall not be alone, it will be years before Harold and I thiak of marrying, and when we do you must come and live with us.”

“No, no, dear. I know that you mean what