'"More than interested—agitated! but I don't wish to fan the flame, for I fear it will be no joke to be the husband of such a girl as Mabel Berriedale."
'"Joke—I should think not, Holland."
'"What then?"
'"A great joy! But to what do your remarks point?"
'"To begin with—her love of dress."
'"Pshaw! every pretty girl has that—and she is lovely!"
'"In her opinion, her father the Colonel—or any father—is only the medium for supplying luxuries and pleasures, and to act as chaperon, if nothing more attractive can be had. A husband would soon come to be viewed in the same light."
'"Pleasures, luxuries!" I exclaimed; "there are deuced few of either to be had at Cabul. But you, the fortunate, happy, and accepted of her cousin Bella should not talk thus. You have surely been refused by her!"
'"Refused?" exclaimed Holland, laughing.
'"Yes," said I angrily.