"Nathaniel," said Miss Appleyard. "Didn't I mention it?"

"Don't happen to know his surname, do you," inquired her father.

"Grindley," explained Miss Appleyard--"the son of Grindley, the
Sauce man."

Miss Appleyard experienced one of the surprises of her life. Never
before to her recollection had her father thwarted a single wish of
her life. A widower for the last twelve years, his chief delight
had been to humour her. His voice, as he passionately swore that
never with his consent should his daughter marry the son of
Hezekiah Grindley, sounded strange to her. Pleadings, even tears,
for the first time in her life proved fruitless.

Here was a pretty kettle of fish! That Grindley junior should defy
his own parent, risk possibly the loss of his inheritance, had
seemed to both a not improper proceeding. When Nathaniel George
had said with fine enthusiasm: "Let him keep his money if he will;
I'll make my own way; there isn't enough money in the world to pay
for losing you!" Janet Helvetia, though she had expressed
disapproval of such unfilial attitude, had in secret sympathised.
But for her to disregard the wishes of her own doting father was
not to be thought of. What was to be done?

Perhaps one Peter Hope, residing in Gough Square hard by, might
help young folks in sore dilemma with wise counsel. Peter Hope,
editor and part proprietor of Good Humour, one penny weekly, was
much esteemed by Solomon Appleyard, printer and publisher of
aforesaid paper.