"If you did not sanction Señor de Sanchez's proposal, I could scarcely overestimate its importance as an aid to clearing up some matters as they concern the young lady."
"Well, then I shall be frank. At first I did not give my approval; I had other ideas for Joyce's future; but one morning General Westbrook sent a request that I come to him in the library. The instant I entered I comprehended that he was struggling with some recent trouble. In the course of the conversation which followed he informed me that a very grave reason existed why we should consider carefully before definitely rejecting Señor de Sanchez's offer; and while he did not tell me what that reason was, I was given to understand that it involved some scandal threatening my husband, and that De Sanchez had the power to remove it.
"'Otherwise?' I inquired. He turned to a drawer of his desk and produced a pistol.
"'Otherwise,' he said with a smile, 'I might still escape it.'
"'Do you contemplate murder?' I asked.
"'Louise!' he cried in a hurt tone, as though pained that I could entertain such a thought; 'is it possible you can so misconstrue my words?'
"'I do not know how else to interpret them—nor your actions,' said I.
"'Then I shall be more explicit,' he rejoined; 'I would place the muzzle of this pistol—'
"'You need not continue,' I interrupted. 'Is it so serious?'
"'It is,' said he, very soberly.