She is at liberty, therefore, to make her
own choice. You agree with me so far?"
"Entirely," Francis assented.
"It happens," Sir Timothy went on, "that I disapprove of her
choice. She desires to marry a young man who belongs to a
profession which I detest, and whose efforts in life are directed
towards the extermination of a class of people for whom I have
every sympathy. To me he represents the smug as against the
human, the artificially moral as against the freethinker. He is
also my personal enemy. I am therefore naturally desirous that
my daughter should not marry this young man."
"We will let it go at that," Francis commented, "but I should
like to point out to you that the antagonism between us is in no
way personal. You have declared yourself for forces with which I
am at enmity, like any other decent-living citizen. Your
declaration might at any time be amended."
Sir Timothy bowed.
"The situation is stated," he said. "I will ask you this
question as a matter of form. Do you recognise my right to
forbid your marriage with my daughter, Mr. Ledsam?"
"I most certainly do not," was the forcible reply.
"Have I any rights at all?" Sir Timothy asked. "Margaret has
lived under my roof whenever it has suited her to do so. Since
she has taken up her residence at Curzon Street, she has been her
own mistress, her banking account has known no limit whatsoever.
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