There shall be an end of this; I cannot
endure it!'
Presently she sees her father mount the steps, and runs to meet him, a
little doubtful whether or not he beheld her lover start from before the
door.
The greeting is most affectionate; Belle throws her arms caressingly
around her father's neck.
'Who is our new visitor, Belle, who indulges in a tandem?' said Hiram,
turning his penetrating eyes on his daughter, but with no suspicious
glance.
'New visitor! What do you mean, papa?'
'I thought I saw a phaeton drive from here.'
'Oh, that was at Mrs. Longworth's. Such a handsome man, though, papa! I
was at the window when he got in.'
Hiram patted his daughter's cheek playfully, and passed in. Keen and
discerning as he was, his _child_ could deceive him.
'Where is your mamma?' he asked.
'Out for a drive.'
'Is Gus at home?'
'No, papa; I have not seen him to-day.'
'Give orders to have dinner served punctually. I must go out immediately
after.'
CHAPTER II.
I have spoken of Hiram's three children.
The individual referred to in the last chapter as 'Gus' is the oldest,
and the only son. He is, at this period, about twenty-three years of
age.
His father undertook to bring him up in a very strict manner. He could,
however, give none of his time to the important business of starting his
son in the right path, and aiding him to continue in it. It was enough
for Hiram that _he_ was secure.
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