To refuse me will be to cut your own throat and hers--as well as mine." Hope faltered a little.

"Am I selfish ?" said he.
"Of course not," was the soothing reply.

"No true father is--give him time to think." Hope clinched his hands in agony, and pressed them against his brow.

"It is selfish to stand in her light; but part with her--I can't; I can't." "Of course not: who asks you?
She will never be out of your sight; only, instead of seeing her sicken, linger, and die, you will see her surrounded by every comfort, nursed and tended like a princess, and growing every day in health, wealth, and happiness." "Health, wealth, and happiness ?" "Health, wealth, and happiness!" These words made a great impression on the still hesitating father; he began to make conditions.

They were all granted heartily.
"If ever you are unkind to her, the compact is broken, and I claim my own again." "So be it.