Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/214

202 I have seen much of the world, and I am no bad reader of character, and I trusted you from the moment I saw you."

The Colonel took off his hat, and bowed so low that the chaise, at that moment giving a lurch, nearly pitched him head foremost under his horses' heels. Madame de Fonblanque uttered a little scream.

"I always was so nervous about horses," she said; "although both my father and my husband were in the Lancers, they never could induce me to ride."

Then she began asking some questions about Mr. Romaine, which showed that she had a very clear knowledge of his character.

"And is the English mees there still?" she inquired, with a slight smile.

"Yes; but I understand that she has been desirous to leave for some time," answered the Colonel.

"Mr. Romaine is a very extraordinary man," continued Madame de Fonblanque, after a pause. "I have known him for a long time, and I do not think in all these years I have ever known him to do one thing in the usual manner."

"I have known him, madam, many more