Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/219



OLONEL CORBIN could not kick his friend Romaine as he had done poor Bridge—but he would have dearly liked to at that moment.

Mr. Romaine, after glaring at Madame de Fonblanque, without the slightest greeting, turned to the Colonel.

"Corbin," he said, "you always were and always will be the most unsophisticated, impractical creature God ever made. The idea of your taking up with this brazen adventuress and bringing her to my house!"

"Hear me, sir," responded the Colonel; "if you utter another disparaging word respecting this lady, I will forget your age and infirmities, and give you the most genteel walloping you ever had in your life."

"It will be the first time you ever forgot my age and infirmities," coolly answered Mr.