Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/229

Rh term 'brazen adventuress' applied to her, simply because she has come to demand a mere act of justice—and I know this to be a fact, because she has so informed me—I must insist upon an apology from the person applying that term."

"Very well, then," said Mr. Romaine, debonair and smiling. "I apologize. Madame de Fonblanque is not a brazen adventuress—she is merely a lady of great enterprise and assurance, and I wish you joy of her acquaintance."

In Madame de Fonblanque's breast there sprang up that desire that is never wholly smothered in any human being—to appear well in the presence of a person she respected. She did sincerely respect Colonel Corbin, who had befriended her on that risky expedition, and it cut her to the heart to be insulted before him. Her eyes filled with tears, and she turned to him with trembling lips.

"Do not mind what he says. He hates me because he has injured me, and keeps me out of money that he ought to pay me."

"I do not mind him in the least, madam," replied the Colonel, suavely. "Mr. Romaine knows perfectly well my opinion of him. He