ONE:The night was still and sultry. At one of the many camp-fires on the edge of the road I saw the Arkansas colonel sitting cross-legged on the ground, in trousers, socks and undershirt, playing poker.
ONE:Yes, he knows, he said. I gave notice to him. And why do you wish I hadnt done it? I declare Im getting like Mr Silverdale. All the ladies are concerning themselves with me. Theres your mother saying Ive done right, and you and Miss Propert saying Ive done wrong. Theres no pleasing you all.CHAPTER THREE
TWO:"Why, the other one--the son. Lieutenant, is she that monster's wife?""There's only one woman for me, and that is the woman who will marry me. Nay, don't lecture me, Mrs. Masters. I perceive the admonishment leaping to your eye. I am determined to approach this question of matrimony in the spirit of levity which you admit is my good or evil genius. Life is a comedy, and in order to shine in it one must assume the r?le of the buffoon who rollicks through the scenes, poking fun at those sober-[Pg 120]minded folk upon whose earnestness the very comedy depends. I will marry in jest and repent in laughter."
THREE:"I admit you are quite able to cross without."Her hand had shot out grasping for something to steady herself on--the whole world spun around her. She had given her whole passionate, tempestuous soul to this man; she had never dreamt that she could fail to gain his love. She had never failed before, she had only required to hold up her hand. . . .
