"I'll look after them," said the Colonel affably. "With Jack's
assistance," he supplemented. Christine clutched her mother's arm. The
Colonel and David dropped behind, for the narrow sidewalk was crowded.
In this fashion they made their way to the show grounds. Mrs. Braddock
and Christine did not once look behind. Colonel Grand chatted amiably
with his young companion, but never for an instant was his gaze
diverted from the straight, proud figure of the woman ahead.
He entered the dressing-tent with them. There he quietly said good-by
to the three of them. The tears of indignation were still standing in
Christine's eyes. He willfully misinterpreted their significance. A
hateful tenderness came into his voice, but it did not disturb the
sneer on his lips.
"Don't cry, little one; it is only for a few days," he said.
Christine's face flamed.
"It's--it's not because you are going away!" she cried in angry
astonishment. "I wish you would never come back! Never!"
He smiled broadly. "Dear me! And I thought we were getting on so
nicely. Pray control yourself, my dear. I had no idea you could be so
ferocious.
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