And she held out Mr. Hardie's letter, but turned her own head away, not
to see her girl's face under the insult.


CHAPTER VII

JULIA took Mr. Hardie's note and read it:--


"MADAM,--I have received a very juvenile letter from my son, by which I
learn he has formed a sudden attachment to your daughter. He tells me,
however, at the same time, that you await my concurrence before giving
your consent. I appreciate your delicacy; and it is with considerable
regret I now write to inform you this match is out of the question. I
have thought it due to you to communicate this to yourself and without
delay, and feel sure that you will, under the circumstances,
discountenance my son's further visits at your house--I am, Madam, with
sincere respect, your faithful servant,

"RICHARD HARDIE."

Julia read this letter, and re-read it in silence. It was an anxious
moment to the mother.

"Shall our pride be less than this _parvenu's?_" she faltered. "Tell me
yourself, what ought we to do?"

"What we ought to do is, never to let the name of Hardie be mentioned
again in this house."