For some mental troubles will favour the return of bodily health. They
will at least give one an interest in life."
"Then you think her father has given in a little about it?"
"I don't believe it.--If her illness and she were both of an ordinary
kind, she would gain her point now by taking to her bed. But from what I
know of Adela she would scorn and resist that."
"Well, we must let matters take their course. Harry is worthy of the best
wife in Christendom."
"I believe it. And more, if Adela will make that best wife, I think he
will have the best wife. But we must have patience."
Next morning, a letter arrived from Harry to the colonel. I have seen it,
and it was to this effect:
"My dear Sir,--As you will not see me, I am forced to write to you. Let my
earnest entreaty to be allowed to address your daughter, cover, if it
cannot make up for, my inadvertence of the other evening. I am very sorry
I have offended you. If you will receive me, I trust you will not find it
hard to forget. Yours, &c."
To this the colonel replied:
"Sir,--It is at least useless, if not worse, to apply for an _ex post
facto_ permission.
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