Then he opened the letter. The body of it
ran:
DEAR MR. HAGAR--I have just learned on my return from the Continent
with the Branscombes that you are at Herridon. My daughter Mildred,
whom you have never seen--and that is strange, we having known each
other so long--is staying at the View House there with the Margraves,
whom, also, I think, you do not know. I am going down to-morrow, and
will introduce you all to each other. May I ask you to call on me
there? Once or twice you have done me a great service, and I may prove
my gratitude by asking you to do another. Will this frighten you out
of Herridon before I come? I hope not, indeed. Always gratefully
yours,
IDA GLADNEY.
He thoughtfully folded the letter up, and put it in his pocket. Then he
said to Baron, "What did you say was the name of the pretty girl at the
View House?"
"Mildred, Mildred Margrave--lovely, 'cometh up as a flower,' and all that.
You'll see her to-night."
Hagar looked at him debatingly, then said, "You are in love with her,
Baron. Isn't it--forgive me--isn't it a pretty mad handicap?"
Baron ran his hand over his face in an embarrassed fashion, then got up,
laughed nervously, but with a brave effort, and replied: "Handicap, my
son, handicap? Of course, it's all handicap.
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