nature and controls her feelings in his presence, but she loves him for all that, with the intensest fervor and passion.’
“He repeated again, ‘You are a woman and you ought to know.’ And then called his daughter to him.
“I cannot tell what passed between them, but the upshot of it was, that the Colonel despatched an answer to the effect that the father’s consent would not be lacking, provided the daughter’s could be obtained. I learned this from Jacqueline herself who brought me the letter to post.
“ ‘You see then, that your father understands,’ said I.
“Her rich red lip curled mockingly, but she did not reply.
“Naturally Mr. Holt answered to this communication in person. Jacqueline received him with a fitful coquetry that evidently puzzled him, for all the distinguishing charm which it added to a beauty apt to be too reserved and statue-like. She however took his ring which blazed on her finger like a drop of ice on congealed snow. ‘I am engaged,’ she murmured as she passed by my door, ‘and to a Holt!’ The words rang long in my ears; why?