The General is
sensible, and doesn't want a fight any more than you do. If your
daughter will consent--"
"My dear lady, give yourself no uneasiness. She does not know the
meaning of rebellion. If necessary--but there is not the slightest
question. It is done."
"Then let me look up Ramon. He and I will approach the General
together." She gave him her neatly gloved hand. "Things are never
so bad as they seem."
"And I thank you for your promptness, which alone, perhaps, has
saved our hopes and our ambitions." He escorted his caller to her
carriage, then hurriedly returned to his office.
That afternoon Kirk received a formal communication from the
banker which filled him with dismay. It ran:
MY DEAR MR. ANTHONY,--To my extreme distress, I hear a rumor that
Gertrudis is to become your wife. I assure you that neither she
nor I blame you in the least for this unfortunate report; but
since busy tongues will wag upon the slightest excuse, we feel it
best that no further occasion for gossip should be given, I am
sure you will co-operate with us.
Sincerely and respectfully, your friend, ANDRES GARAVEL.
A sense of betrayal crept over him as he read. What the letter
signified, beyond the fact that Mr. Garavel had changed his mind,
he could not make out, and he resolved to go at once and demand an
explanation.
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