“‘If your daughter commands it,’ he replied.
“Your grandfather seized him involuntarily.
“‘Sir, my daughter is the betrothed wife of Colonel Wayne.’
“The young man looked with an incredulous smile at your mother, who had sunk senseless into my arms, and said, in a low voice,
“‘She was mine before she ever saw him.’
“Your grandfather actually hissed at him with contempt.
“‘Go—before I strike you!’
“The young man hesitated for a few moments, saw that it was useless to remain longer at that time, and went.
“The next day Mr. Burt sent for Dr. Peewee.
“The moment I knew what he intended to do I ran to your grandfather and told him that Colonel Wayne was not a fit husband for his daughter. But when I told him that the Colonel had deserted me, Mr. Burt laughed scornfully.