It was strange that in all his search for a girl with expectations the colonel had never thought of Odalite.
But, then, she was only sixteen years of age, and she looked much younger. She seemed to be merely the eldest child among children.
One day early in December an event occurred that opened his eyes. A letter arrived from foreign parts that gave the whole family, and especially Odalite, the greatest pleasure. She ran about with it open in her hands, and read it to her parents, to her sisters, and even to her governess.
Col. Anglesea, in his self-absorption, took not the slightest interest in this family jubilee and felt not the least curiosity concerning the letter which had caused it.
But Mr. Force, in the generous exuberance of his nature, wished to share his pleasure with all others, and so, joining his guest in a walk over the frozen fields that winter morning, he smiled and said:
“We have just received a letter from my ward and cousin, Midshipman Leonidas Force, who has been at sea for the last three years, but is now homeward bound and is expected to arrive in time for Christmas; and then I should not wonder if we should have to celebrate a New Year’s wedding,” he added.
“Ah! So the young gentleman is engaged. And who is the young lady?” inquired the colonel, making an effort to appear interested.
“Why! is it possible you don’t know? I thought everybody knew!” exclaimed the father, looking surprised.
“But I, you must remember, am a comparative stranger, and I am ignorant.”
“Well, then, of course, the lady in question is my eldest daughter, a very little lady as yet.”