Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/165

Rh mere dislike ever since I heard of this. Queer, is n't it?"

"Not at all," replied the Colonel, with the ghost of a smile. "Your amiable sex is subject to aberrations of that description. However, I think, on the whole, that nothing but trouble will result if this plan of Romaine's is carried out—and I would be glad to see it prevented."

The Colonel had no more idea of the practical value of money than a baby. Nor had Letty much more—and besides, she had youth and beauty and esprit, and so had managed to get on very well so far without a fortune. The Colonel's views decided her.

"Then, grandpapa, the best thing to do seems to me to be the most direct and straightforward thing. Write to Mr. Romaine and tell him frankly what we have heard, and say that I prefer not to incur the obligation he would lay upon me."

"Precisely what I desired you to say," replied the Colonel, highly gratified.

It required both of them to compose the letter to Mr. Romaine, but at last it was finished, copied off in the Colonel's best clerk-like hand with a quill pen, and sealed with his