So long as one
chance remains--"
"I tell you that there is no longer any chance, no longer the ghost of a
chance. It is my duty to inform you, sir, that a proper suitor long ago
applied for my daughter's hand, that he has renewed his suit, and that
now she has accepted him."
For a time I sat staring stupidly at him. "You need speak nothing but
the truth with me," I said at last. "Colonel Meriwether, I have never
given bonds to be gentle when abused."
"I am telling you the truth," he said. "By God, sir! Miss Meriwether is
engaged to Lieutenant Lawrence Belknap of the Ninth Dragoons! You feel
your honor too deeply touched? Perhaps at a later time Lieutenant
Belknap will do himself the disgrace of accommodating you."
All these things seemed to dull and stupefy me rather than excite. I
could not understand.
"If I killed him," said I, finally, "how would it better her case?
Moreover, before I could take any more risk, I must go back to Virginia.
My mother needs me there most sadly."
"Yes, and Miss Grace Sheraton needs you there sadly, as well," he
retorted. "Go back, then, and mend your promises, and do some of those
duties which you now begin to remember.
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