"
"I guessed as much. I'm glad to tell you, young man, that I've always
had the kindliest feelings for you personally--"
"Thank you, sir--"
"And the warmest admiration for your talents as an officer. You're a
good soldier. You have brains. You have executive ability. You're a
leader of men. You'll go far in your profession--"
"Thank you, sir--"
"And that's why I don't like you as a son-in-law."
"W--Wha--"
"I love my daughter, and I want her to be happy in a real home with a
real husband and children by her side. A soldier's life is a dog's life.
I've pitied the poor girl who gave up her home for me. Many a bitter
tear has she shed over my absence, in torturing dread of the next letter
from the frontier--"
He paused and sprang to his feet:
"A hundred times I've sworn no daughter of mine should ever marry a
soldier! The better the soldier, the more reason she should not marry
him--"
"But, sir--"
"There's no 'but' about it!" the Colonel thundered. "You're asking me to
let you murder my girl, that's all--but it's life. I'll have to give my
consent and wish you good luck, long life, and all the happiness you can
get out of a soldier's lot."
The Colonel extended his hand and the Lieutenant grasped it with
grateful eagerness.
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