CHAPTER XIV.
AN ANGRY FATHER.
There were many brilliant women at the great social function, but the only feast for the eyes of Milton Royle was Marie Salmon. But she was very much in demand. The hostess apparently had a mortgage upon the young girl's time and attention. At length, however, Milton could endure it no longer. He marched down upon his victim, captured her, and forcibly led her to a quiet and secluded spot in the conservatory, determined to hold her captive until he should have accomplished his purpose.
"I shall not see you again before my departure for Europe, so, my darling, I shall have to bid you good-bye here."
"I could be completely happy, dear Milton, if it were not for dad's frightful opposition to you."
"He forbid me the house," said Milton, sadly, "but such a course only makes me more determined than ever."
"You cannot imagine what a hard time I will have while you are gone. It was only yesterday dad told me that it would greatly please him if I would consider young Clafton as a suitor for my hand."
"What! That brainless ape?" said Milton, indignantly.
"Now don't get angry, dear; you know very well if he were the last man on earth, I would not consider him for a moment," she made haste to say.
