"Mallory, who was coming down here with his daughter, you know"-- "This is the first intimation I have had that anything has been settled upon," interrupted the lady, with appalling deliberation.
"However, my dear, you know I told you last week that he thought of bringing her here while he went South on business.

You know, being a widower, he has no one to leave her with." "And I suppose it is the American fashion to intrust one's daughters to any old boon companions ?" "Mallory is an old friend," interrupted the major, impatiently.

"He knows I'm married, and although he has never seen YOU, he is quite willing to leave his daughter here." "Thank you!" "Come, you know what I mean.

The man naturally believes that my wife will be a proper chaperone for his daughter.

But that is not the present question.