But how can she be unhappy, since--as I'm also convinced--she, in the midst of everything, adores her husband as much as ever ?" The Colonel at this brooded for a little at large.

"Then if she's so happy, please what's the matter ?" It made his wife almost spring at him.

"You think then she's secretly wretched ?" But he threw up his arms in deprecation.

"Ah, my dear, I give them up to YOU.

I've nothing more to suggest." "Then it's not sweet of you." She spoke at present as if he were frequently sweet.