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"It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had

many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that

there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always

loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young

and has seen very little of life yet, and-and-well, he naturally

did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there were

quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them."

"And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a

union?"

"No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in

favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as

Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her.

"Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father

if I call to-morrow?"

"I am afraid the doctor won't allow it."

"The doctor?"