"However, my dear, you know I told you last week that he thought of
bringing her here while he went South on business. You know, being a
widower, he has no one to leave her with."
"And I suppose it is the American fashion to intrust one's daughters to
any old boon companions?"
"Mallory is an old friend," interrupted the major, impatiently. "He
knows I'm married, and although he has never seen YOU, he is quite
willing to leave his daughter here."
"Thank you!"
"Come, you know what I mean. The man naturally believes that my wife
will be a proper chaperone for his daughter. But that is not the present
question. He intended to call here; I expected to take you over to San
Jose to see her and all that, you know; but the fact of it is--that
is--it seems from this letter that--he's been called away sooner than he
expected, and that--well--hang it! the girl is actually on her way here
now."
"Alone?"
"I suppose so. You know one thinks nothing of that here."
"Or any other propriety, for that matter.
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