, and just as obstinate and selfish as he can

possibly

be. Can you remember that, attractive?"

"Yes, thank you," said the Colonel. "I can remember it, but I ain't

going to. Nice sort of message to send a sick man, ain't it? I don't

know what's gotten into you, Margaret--no, begad, I don't! I think

you're possessed of seventeen devils. And now," the old gentleman

demanded, after an awkward pause, "are you or are you not going to

tell me what all this mystery is about?"

"I can't," Miss Hugonin protested. "It--it's a secret, attractive."