The Colonel did not answer, but Mrs. Parsons laughed.
"My impression is that your father has grown so devoted to Mary that he hardly thinks you worthy of her."
"Really? And yet you want me to marry her, don't you, daddy?"
"It's the wish of my heart."
"Were you very wretched when our engagement was broken off?"
"Don't talk of it! Now it's all settled, Jamie, I can tell you that I'd sooner see you dead at my feet than that you should break your word to Mary."
James laughed.
"And you, mother?" he asked, lightly.
She did not answer, but looked at him earnestly.
"What, you too? Would you rather see me dead than not married to Mary? What a bloodthirsty pair you are!"