Mallory. When he had read it, he turned to his wife: "He thanks you," he
said, "for your kindness to his daughter, and explains that his sudden
departure was owing to the necessity of his taking advantage of a great
opportunity for speculation that had offered." As Mrs. Randolph turned
away with a slight shrug of the shoulders, the major continued: "But you
haven't heard all! That opportunity was the securing of a half interest
in a cinnabar lode in Sonora, which has already gone up a hundred
thousand dollars in his hands! By Jove! a man can afford to drop a
little social ceremony on those terms--eh, Josephine?" he concluded with
a triumphant chuckle.

"He's as likely to lose his hundred thousand to-morrow, while his
manners will remain," said Mrs. Randolph. "I've no faith in these sudden
California fortunes!"

"You're wrong as regards Mallory, for he's as careful as he is lucky. He
don't throw money away for appearance sake, or he'd have a rich home for
that daughter. He could afford it."

Mrs. Randolph was silent. "She is his only daughter, I believe," she
continued presently.

"Yes--he has no other kith or kin," returned the major.

"She seems to be very much impressed by Emile," said Mrs. Randolph.

Major Randolph faced his wife quickly.

"In the name of all that's ridiculous, my dear, you are not already
thinking of"--he gasped.