" The
Colonel stared at this sudden turn.
"That I did," said he, "and a pretty penny they cost me."
"Well, sir, is not a race-horse a poor mincing thing until her blood gets
up galloping?"
"By Jove! you are right," said he, "she steps like a cat upon hot bricks.
But the comparison is not needed. Whatever statement Mrs. Walter Clifford
makes to me seriously is gospel to me, who already know enough of her to
respect her lightest word. Pray grant me this much, that Bartley is a
true penitent, for I have proof of it in this drawer. I'll show it you."
"No, no, please not," said Grace, in no little agitation. "Let me take
your word for that, as you have taken mine. Oh, sir, he is nothing to me
compared with what I thought you wished to say to me. But it is I who
must find the courage to say things that will wound you and me still
more. Colonel Clifford, pray do not be angry with me till you know all,
but indeed your house is not the place for my father or for me."
"Why not, madam," said the Colonel, stiffly, "since you are my
daughter-in-law?"
She did not reply.
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