I don't want to quarrel, but I'm going to have some of that money." Clearly he had learned statecraft in his predecessor's school! "Twenty-four hours is something," thought I, and determined to try the cunning of the serpent.
"All right, colonel," I said, "I'll think it over.

I don't pretend to like it; but, after all, I'm in with you and we must pull together.
We'll see how things look to-morrow morning." "There's another matter I wanted to speak to you about," he went on.
I was now dressed, so I invited him into the breakfast-room, gave him a cup of coffee (which, to my credit, I didn't poison), and began on my own eggs and toast.
"Fire away," said I briefly.
"I suppose you know I'm going to be married ?" he remarked.
"No, I hadn't heard," I replied, feigning to be entirely occupied with a very nimble egg.

"Rather a busy time for marrying, isn't it?
Who is she ?" He gave a heavy laugh.
"You needn't pretend to be so very innocent; I expect you could give a pretty good guess." "Mme.

Devarges ?" I asked blandly.

"Suitable match; about your age--" "I wish to the devil you wouldn't try to be funny!" he exclaimed.