"
"Simply because I had nothing actually decisive to mention. I
principally confined myself to my own inferences, which unfortunately
my mother, with her eager habit of snatching at conclusions, in this
instance, mistook for facts. I shall satisfy you, Charles, of this, and
of other matters besides; but we will require time."
"I assure you, Harry, that if your mother does not keep her temper
within some reasonable bounds, either she or I shall leave the
house--and I am not likely to be the man to do so."
"This house is mine, Lindsay, and the property is mine--both in my own
right; and you and your family may leave it as soon as you like."
"But you forget that I have property enough to support myself and them
independently of you."
"Wherever you go, my dear papa," said Maria, bursting into tears, "I
will accompany you. I admit it is a painful determination for a daughter
to be forced to make against her own mother; but it is one I should have
died sooner than come to if she had ever treated me as a daughter."
Her good-natured and affectionate father took her in his arms and kissed
her.
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