"Mr. Armstrong, to what am I to attribute this intrusion?"
"Chiefly to the desire of seeing you, Colonel Cathcart."
"And I find you with my daughter!--Adela, go in-doors,"
Adela withdrew at once.
"You denied yourself, and I inquired for Miss Cathcart."
"You will oblige me by not calling again."
"Surely I have committed no fault beyond forgiveness."
"You have taken advantage of your admission into my family to entrap the
affections of my daughter."
"Colonel Cathcart, as far as my conscience tells me, I have not behaved
unworthily."
"Sir, is it not unworthy of a gentleman to use such professional
advantages to gain the favour of one who--you will excuse me for reminding
you of what you will not allow me to forget--is as much above him in
social position, as inferior to him in years and experience."
"Is it always unworthy in a gentleman to aspire to a lady above him in
social position, Colonel Cathcart?"
The honesty of the colonel checked all reply to this home-thrust.
Harry resumed:
"At least I am able to maintain my wife in what may be considered
comfort.
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