The girl was sharply touched by the pathetic ring of the words; it was the most calculated, the most dramatic little speech the Doctor had ever uttered. She felt that it was a great thing for her, under the circumstances, to have this fine opportunity of showing him her respect; and yet there was something else that she felt as well, and that she presently expressed.' I sometimes think that if I do what you dislike so much, I ought not to stay with you.'

'To stay with me?'

'If I live with you, I ought to obey you.'

'If that's your theory, it's certainly mine,' said the Doctor, with a dry laugh.

'But if I don't obey you, I ought not to live with you - to enjoy your kindness and protection.'

This striking argument gave the Doctor a sudden sense of having underestimated his daughter; it seemed even more than worthy of a young woman who had revealed the quality of unaggressive obstinacy. But it displeased him - displeased him deeply, and he signified as much.' That idea is in very bad taste,' he said.' Did you get it from Mr Townsend?'

'Oh no; it's my own,' said Catherine, eagerly.

'Keep it to yourself, then,' her father answered, more than ever I determined she should go to Europe.