"You surely do not refer to Lieutenant Carey as a coxcomb, father?"
"I surely do, for what is he but a handsome fool in uniform?" was the angry reply.
"His record does not show him to be a fool, father, though handsome, exceedingly so, I admit that he is."
"That is just it! I knew he had turned your head with his fine manners, handsome face, and fine form, all of which I grant he possesses."
"I admire him, yes, father; but I have met Lieutenant Carey but once, and I have too good sense to make a fool of myself about any man," was the indignant reply.
"Well, his coming caused me to tell you the secret I now must do, for I see that otherwise it would end in your crazy regard for him, and matters would not go as I wish, and am determined to have them."
"I think, father, that I have ever proven myself an obedient girl to you and to mother."
"Oh, yes, I have no complaint to make, Jennie. But now to the secret I have to tell you."
"Yes, father."