Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-11-09
CHAPTER xxi.
FATHER AND DAUGHTER.

shaken by the conflicting emotions of
the day, had gone to her room TO rest
and TO prepare for the interview
which she meant TO have with her
father on the subject of her lover
and Of Chatham.
Having received word that Murdoch
would remain in his study during the
rest Of the afternoon, she had taken
time 10 reflect upon what she meant
to say, and how she meant TO say it.
Her visit was not prompted by the
desire of a daughter to confide the
great happiness of her life TO the low
ing sympathy Of an affectionate par
emit; but Agnes was punctilious in the
performance of what she considered
10 be her duties, great and small, and
she counted ii among those duties to
obtain, or at any rate to seek, the pa
ternal sanction of her choice Of a
husband.
Her knock at the door of Murdoclt's
study was answered in the chemists
quiet voice;
Come in"
As she opened the door, Murdoch
advanced TO meet her He seemed 10
come from the direction Of the ex-
tension.
Miss Murdoch shifted the air.
Isn't there a leak of gas?' she in
quired.
Yes" replied Murdoch; Il have
just stopped a leak in the laboratory.
Won't you take a chair. Agnes"
She felt his calm, searching glance
upon her; and, in spite of her prep
aration, she grew embarrassed as
was her won't. in her fathers pres
ence.
Did Mr.. Chatham wait to see you
this afternoon" she asked. after
momentary silence.
Murdoch observed her narrowly.
"Hes; Chatham has been here to-
day. | did not know that you had
seen him"
~ could not help seeing him; for
he forced his way into the parlor, IN
spite of all the servants could do TO
prevent him"
An almost imperceptible furrow ap-
peared between the chemists eyes
HAS he been annoying you with
his attentions?"
The words were spoken in MUIR
docks usual tones; but Agnes saw
something in her fathers eyes and
in the firm lines of his mouth which
sent n cold SILVER down her spine. and
caused her pity 10 go ont 10 the un-
ia ha1 cff 4
ed her.
perhaps he is more 10 be pitied
than blamed" she suggested, gently
"My interview with him was certain
~ not pleasant; hut l bear him 10
malice"
Tell me about it, said Murdoch,
slowly.
Agnes gave her version of the visit,
in which. instinctively. she softenej.
as much as possible, the passion and
brutality displayed by the account
ant
Murdoch listened in silence until
she had quite finished Then Agnes
noticed that his right hand was
clenched upon the arm of his chair
with lbICt WultH euustu the MUS
cles 10 stand out in hard knots. She
looked up into his face in sudden sur
prise.
His features gave no indication Of
what his feelings might be; and nv.
voice, as usual, was steady and DELHI
crate.
IL am sorry all this should have
happened, Agnes. AS | told you yes
terday, hoped TO save you from this
mans opportunities. 1t cannot be
helped now. But | think ! made il
clear to the gentleman that his atten-
tons are as distasteful TO me as they
are to you. As he seems 20 have told
you, he has been obliged to leave the
country understand that he has
done something or other which makes
10 safer for him 20 undertake long
journey. AT any rate, we are well rid
Of him for some time TO come, and |
think you need have no fear of fur
Their molestation."
What did he mean by saying that
he had had encouragement 6sm
won ." aeLsH Tho yanun uirl