" Well, but everything now is upon a new construction. I am not
positively bound to do everything Mrs. Haggerdorn did, and his
having drank tea with her will not make him conclude he must also
drink tea with me."

No, no, that is true, I allow. Nothing that belonged to her can
bring conclusions round to you. But still, why begin with
Colonel Wellbred? You did not treat Colonel Goldsworthy so?"

"I had not the power of beginning with him. I did what I could,
I assure you."

"Major Price, ma'am?--I never heard you avoided him."

"No; but I knew him before I came, and he knew much of my family,
and indeed I am truly sorry that I shall now see no more of him.
But Colonel Wellbred and I are mutually strangers."

"All people are so at first, every acquaintance must have a
beginning."

"But this, if you are quiet, we are most willing should have
none."

"Not he, ma'am--he is not so willing; he wishes to come. He
asked me, to-day, if I had spoke about it."

I disclaimed believing this; but he persisted in asserting it,
adding "For he said if I had spoke he would come."