I find that
those charges were unfounded, and I hereby apologise to Colonel
Quaritch for having made them."
"And supposing that I refuse to sign," said Edward sulkily.
"I do not think," answered the Colonel, "that you will refuse."
Edward looked at Colonel Quaritch, and the Colonel looked at Edward.
"Well," said the Colonel, "please understand I mean that you should
sign this letter, and, indeed, seeing how absolutely you are in the
wrong, I do not think that you can hesitate to do so."
Then very slowly and unwillingly, Edward Cossey took up a pen, affixed
his signature to the letter, blotted it, and pushed it from him.
The Colonel folded it up, placed it in an envelope which he had ready,
and put it in his pocket.
"Now, Mr. Cossey," he said, "I will wish you good-morning. Another
time I should recommend you to be more careful, both of your facts and
the manner of your accusations," and with a slight bow he left the
room.
"Curse the fellow," thought Edward to himself as the front door
closed, "he had me there--I was forced to sign. Well, I will be even
with him about Ida, at any rate. I will propose to her this very day,
Belle or no Belle, and if she won't have me I will call the money in
and smash the whole thing up"--and his handsome face bore a very evil
look, as he thought of it.
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