"Yes."
"Is that it?" he went on, producing a yellow-looking letter and
showing it to him.
"I believe so--at least it looks like it."
"Then read the letter."
Edward obeyed. It was one written in answer to that of Harold Quaritch
to his betrothed's father, and admitted in the clearest terms the
justice of the step that he had taken. Further, it begged him for the
sake of Julia and the family at large, never to mention the cause of
his defection to any one outside the family.
"Are you satisfied, Mr. Cossey? I have other letters, if you wish to
see them."
Edward made no reply, and the Colonel went on:--"I gave the promise
your grandfather asked for, and in spite of the remarks that were
freely made upon my behaviour, I kept it, as it was my duty to do.
You, Mr. Cossey, are the first person to whom the story has been told.
And now that you have thought fit to make accusations against me,
which are without foundation, I must ask you to retract them as fully
as you made them. I have prepared a letter which you will be so good
as to sign," and he handed him a note addressed to the Squire. It ran:
"Dear Mr. de la Molle,--
"I beg in the fullest and most ample manner possible to retract the
charges which I made yesterday evening against Colonel Quaritch,
in the presence of yourself and Miss de la Molle.
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