“Is that it?” he went on, producing a yellow-looking letter and showing it to him.
“I believe so—at least it looks like it.”
“Then read the letter.”
Edward obeyed. It was one written in answer to that of Harold Quaritch to his betrothed’s father, and admitted in the clearest terms the justice of the step that he had taken. Further, it begged him for the sake of Julia and the family at large, never to mention the cause of his defection to any one outside the family.
“Are you satisfied, Mr. Cossey? I have other letters, if you wish to see them.”
Edward made no reply, and the Colonel went on:—“I gave the promise your grandfather asked for, and in spite of the remarks that were freely made upon my behaviour, I kept it, as it was my duty to do. You, Mr. Cossey, are the first person to whom the story has been told. And now that you have thought fit to make accusations against me, which are without foundation, I must ask you to retract them as fully as you made them. I have prepared a letter which you will be so good as to sign,” and he handed him a note addressed to the Squire. It ran:
“Dear Mr. de la Molle,—
“I beg in the fullest and most ample manner possible to retract the charges which I made yesterday evening against Colonel Quaritch, in the presence of yourself and Miss de la Molle. I find that those charges were unfounded, and I hereby apologise to Colonel Quaritch for having made them.”
“And supposing that I refuse to sign,” said Edward sulkily.
“I do not think,” answered the Colonel, “that you will refuse.”
Edward looked at Colonel Quaritch, and the Colonel looked at Edward.