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 well go back. Park Lauriston ain't going to let nobody but John Marley marry his Lida."

Bennet's face flushed more as the woman continued. "No sir. That's all settled. They're two proud families and the old men have fixed it up so's Lida and young John can hit it off together."

"What's the matter? Won't they let the young lady choose for herself?"

"Not much, they won't. Seems Lida went North last year and got herself mixed up in some scandal and now they're all against the girl. She's practically a prisoner till she makes up her mind to marry Young John. They're a cursed lot, with all their pride."

"What do you mean?" Bennet bristled defensively, surprised out of his determination not to make known his errand. "I chanced to meet the young woman, in the North and found her to be exceedingly ladylike."

"Going to call, are you?" Mrs. Gorton asked.

"That was my plan. I chance to be passing through, and knowing that she lived in this vicinity thought I'd call."

"Well, you won't be welcomed. I know.—Park Lauriston's too proud to let any strangers call on his child. Besides, I tell you they've fixed it up for Young John to marry her."

"I thought they didn't do those things here in the South. Thought they allowed the girl to choose," Bennet commented.

"Huh, you don't know the Lauristons. Though they