The Star-Gazers

ruelty to me. But you shall repent it--repent it bitterly."

"Look here," he said roughly; "for years past we have lived in this house like brother and sister, and I won't have you speak like this. Does my mother know?"

"Ask her."

"Bah!"

"You dare not ask her what she thinks or whether she approves of your choice. Captain Rolph in love with the gamekeeper's daughter! Is she to be taken to the county ball, and introduced to society? And is she to wear the family diamonds? Judith--Judy--the miserable, low-bred--"

"Here, hold hard!"

Marjorie Emlin stopped short, startled into silence by the furious look and tone she had evoked. The young man had listened, and from time to time had made deprecating movements to try and turn away the furious woman's wrath till she had made this last attack, when he glared with a rage so overpowering that she shrank from him.

"You have done well," he said. "My mother looks upon you as a daughter. I have always been to you as a brother