She, too, was fond of Ben, and hoped that he might clear
himself of the accusation. So Graciella wrote the letter. She was no
more frank in it, however, on one point, than she had been with her
aunt, for she carefully avoided saying that she _had_ taken Colonel
French's attentions seriously, or built any hopes upon them, but
chided Ben for putting such a construction upon her innocent actions,
and informed him, as proof of his folly, and in the strictest
confidence, that Colonel French was engaged to her Aunt Laura. She
expressed her sorrow for his predicament, her profound belief in his
innocence, and her unhesitating conviction that he would be acquitted
of the pending charge.
To this she expected by way of answer a long letter of apology,
explanation, and protestations of undying love.
She received, instead, a brief note containing a cold acknowledgment
of her letter, thanking her for her interest in his welfare, and
assuring her that he would respect Miss Laura's confidence. There was
no note of love or reproachfulness--mere cold courtesy.
Graciella was cut to the quick, so much so that she did not even
notice Ben's mistakes in spelling. It would have been better had he
overwhelmed her with reproaches--it would have shown at least that he
still loved her. She cried bitterly, and lay awake very late that
night, wondering what else she could do for Ben that a self-respecting
young lady might. For the first time, she was more concerned about Ben
than about herself.
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