"
"Father, I tell you you are mistaken. Won't you please let me explain?"
said Amy, almost in tears.
But the angry man only replied, "No explanation can be made. Frank saw
you himself and that's enough; no excuse can justify such conduct. I
have only to repeat that I will not own you as my daughter if you
persist in keeping such company."
Amy tried again to speak, but he interrupted her. "Silence, I don't
want to hear a word from you. Go to your room."
Then the woman asserted herself and there were no tears this time, as
she said respectfully, but firmly, "Father, you _shall_ hear me. I am
not guilty of that of which you accuse me. I was in other company,
company of your own choosing, and to save myself from insult I was
forced to appeal to Mr. Falkner, who brought me safely home. He is far
more a gentleman than the men I was with, even though they are welcome
at this home; and he is not. I--"
Adam turned fairly green with rage. "You ungrateful, disobedient girl.
How dare you say that this miserable vagabond is a fit associate for
you, and more worthy than the guests of my house? You must not think
you can deceive me and clear yourself by any trumped-up lie of his
teaching. You may have your tramp, but don't call me father. You are
no daughter of mine." And he left the room.
It is astonishing how little the proud man knew of the real nature of
his child; a nature which rightfully understood and influenced, was
capable of any sacrifice, any hardship, for the one she loved; but
misunderstood or falsely condemned, was just as capable of reckless
folly or despair.
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