Youll see whether its nonsense or not! What do you suppose I took this isolated place for, except to keep you here if you grow too independent! Do you know there is no way you can escape if I choose to make you a prisoner? And if thats the only way to break your spirit, Ill do it!
Why, Father Varian! Betty looked a little scared, whatever has come over you?
Ive made up my mind, thats all. For twenty years Ive humored you and indulged you and acceded to your every wish. Youve been petted and spoiled until you think you are the only dictator in this family! Now a time has come when I have put my foot down
Well, pick it up again, Daddy, and all will be forgiven.
Betty smiled and attempted to kiss the belligerent face looking down at her.
But Frederick Varian repulsed the offered caress and said, sternly:
I want no affection from a wilful, disobedient child! Give me your word, Betty, to respect my wishes, and Ill always be glad of your loving ways.
But Betty was angry now.
Ill give you no such promise! I shall conduct myself as I please with my friends and my acquaintances. You know me well enough to know that I never do anything that is in bad form or in bad taste. If I choose to flirt with the young men, or even, as you call it, encourage them, I propose to do so! And I resent your interference, and I deny your right to forbid me in such matters. And, too, Ill go so far as to warn you that if you persist in this queer attitude youve taken, youll be sorry! Remember that!
Bettys eyes flashed, but she was quiet rather than excited.
Varian himself was nervous and agitated. His fingers clenched and his lips trembled with the intensity of his feelings and as Betty voiced her rebellious thoughts he stared at her in amazement.
What are you two quarreling about? came the surprised accents of Mrs Varian as she came out through the French window from the library and looked curiously at them.
Oh, Mother, Betty cried, Dads gone nutty! He says I never can marry anybody.
What nonsense, Fred; she did not take it at all seriously. Of course, Betty will marry some day, but not yet. Dont bother about it at present.
But Daddys bothering very much about it at present. At least, hes bothering me, dont let little Betty be bothered, Mummy, will you?
Let her alone, Fred. Why do you tease the child? I declare you two are always at odds over something!
No, Minna, thats not so. I always indulge Betty
Oh, yes, after Ive coaxed you to do so. Youre an unnatural father, Fred, you seem possessed to frown on all Bettys innocent pleasures.
I dont want her getting married and going off and leaving us he growled, still looking angry.
Well, the baby isnt even engaged yet, dont begin to worry. And, too, that is in the mothers province.
Not entirely. I rather guess a father has some authority!
Oh, yes, if its exercised with loving care and discretion. Dont you bother, Betty, anyway. Father and mother will settle this little argument by ourselves.
Id rather settle it with Dad, Betty declared spiritedly. Its too ridiculous for him to take the stand that I shall never marry! Im willing to promise not to become engaged without asking you both first; Im willing to say I wont marry a man you can convince me is unworthy; Im willing to promise anything in reason, but a blind promise never to marry is too much to ask of any girl!
Of course, it is! agreed Mrs Varian. Why do you talk to her like that, Fred?
Because I propose to have my own way for once! Ive given in to you two in every particular for twenty years or more. Now, I assert myself. I say Betty shall not marry, and I shall see to it that she does not!
Oh, my heavens! and Mrs Varian wrung her hands, with a wail of nervous pettishness, sometimes, Fred, I think youre crazy! At any rate, youll set me crazy, if you talk like that! Do stop this quarrel anyhow. Kiss and make up, wont you? To think of you two, the only human beings on earth that I care a rap for, acting like this! My husband and my child! The only things I live for! The apple of my eye, the core of my soul, both of you, cant you see how you distress me when you are at odds! And youre always at odds! Always squabbling over some little thing. But, heretofore, youve always laughed and agreed, finally. Now forget this foolishness, do!
It isnt foolishness, and Varian set his lips together, doggedly.
No, it isnt foolishness, said Betty quietly, but with a look of indomitable determination.
Well, stop it, at any rate, begged Mrs Varian, if you dont I shall go into hysterics, and its time now for the Herberts to come.
Now both Fred and Betty knew that a suggestion of hysterics was no idle threat, for Minna Varian could achieve the most annoying demonstrations of that sort at a moments notice. And it was quite true that the expected guests were imminent.
But no truce was put into words, for just then a party of three people came in sight and neared the veranda steps.
The three were Frederick Varians brother Herbert and his wife and daughter. This family was called the Herberts to distinguish them from the Frederick Varian household.