He
knew neither what to say nor how to act.
"What's the matter with you?" he demanded. "Tell me what it is. Only
let me know. What more can a man ask?"
"Oh, it is nothing," said Bridget amidst her tears. "Only that I am
the most miserable woman in the world."
Although he did his best, he could not succeed in tranquilizing her,
and finally went away, leaving her in the most despondent mood. Alone
in his smoking-room the same evening, Colonel Faversham did his utmost
to arrive at some explanation of Bridget's passionate outburst of grief.
Could it be possible she was distressed at the sight of his
disapproval. He ought to keep a firmer rein on his temper! He must
remember that Bridget was a delicate girl, and treat her with the
kindness she deserved.
This more satisfactory explanation, however, did not prove entirely
convincing. She might be unhappy because she repented of her promise;
well, in any event he intended to keep her to it! She could scarcely
think of breaking her engagement on Jimmy's account! She had spoilt
herself for that. Colonel Faversham, as she must know, was not the man
to stand silently by while she transferred herself to a younger
aspirant.
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