The Colonel took a few fretful paces up and down the room. Then he stopped before her. "What do you think of it?" he demanded.
For a moment Judith considered her answer; it is unpleasant to say things which may be remembered later when one has a brother-in-law. Nevertheless, as usual she spoke the truth. "I wish Beth wouldn't."
"When Pease is ready, too!" complained the Colonel. "Do you suppose he seems too old to her?"
"Beth likes older people," returned Judith. "And she'd be so safe with him."
"Yes," returned the Colonel, accepting all suggestions eagerly. "Yes, of course. Now, isn't there something we can do?"
"For instance?" challenged Judith; seeing that the Colonel had nothing to offer, she went on, "I never knew how to interfere in anything of that sort. Of course, you, as her father——"
"Do you think I could?" asked the Colonel hopefully.
"It's not often done," Judith replied.
The Colonel considered the possibility and shrank from it. Never had he denied anything either to himself or to his daughters; the most he had ever ventured toward his offspring was a petulant remonstrance. This tone, as he saw himself helpless, he took now toward Judith in default of Beth. "It seems hard," he complained. "I've brought her up—you don't know how much thought I've given you two girls. And now she turns back on me!"
"Why father," asked Judith in surprise, "how can it affect you so?"