Margaret did not answer immediately; but by the bent drooping of her head, he guessed what her reply would be.
"Yes; I believe--oh, papa, I should have told you." And she dropped her work, and hid her face in her hands.
"No, dear; don't think that I am impertinently curious. I am sure you would have told me if you had felt that you could return his regard. Did he speak to you about it?"
No answer at first; but by-and-by a little gentle reluctant "Yes."
"And you refused him?"
A long sigh: a more helpless, nerveless attitude, and another "Yes." But before her father could speak, Margaret lifted up her face, rosy with some beautiful shame, and, fixing her eyes upon him, said:

Margaret did not answer immediately; but by the drooping of her head, he guessed what her reply would be.
'Yes; I believe - oh papa, I should have told you.' And she dropped her work, and hid her face in her hands.
'No, dear; I am sure you would have told me if you had felt that you could return his regard. Did he speak to you about it?'
A little gentle, reluctant 'Yes.'
'And you refused him?'
A long sigh; and another 'Yes.' But before her father could speak, Margaret lifted up her face, rosy with beautiful shame, and said:
