Colonel Pendleton had already been uselessly and absurdly perplexed about the possible discovery of the girl's parentage, and its effect upon her fortunes and herself.

She had just settled that of her own accord, and, without committing herself or others, had suggested a really sensible plan by which all trouble would be avoided in future.

That was the common-sense way of looking at it.

He would lay the plan before the colonel, have him judge of its expediency and its ethics--and even the question whether she already knew the real truth, or was self-deceived.
That done, he would return to his own affairs in Sacramento.

There was nothing difficult in this, or that need worry him, only he could have done it just as well an hour ago.
He opened the window again.