In fact, "an officer and a gentleman" were synonymous
to him.
"It seems incredible," he said, at last. "I didn't think he was much of
a chap, he has not had much experience, and I thought he would grow out
of his bad habits."
"He's horrible," exclaimed Stella impatiently. "But that is not the
worst of it. Hallie is engaged to marry him some day. Think of it!"
"Too bad. Of course she must know nothing of this. She must believe that
it was an accident."
"Of course. Unless she mentions it we will say nothing about it, and
I'll tell her that you do not care to have anything said about it."
"That's the thing. Pretty bad outlook for her."
"Yes, and the worst of it is, she's crazy about him, and the colonel,
her father, is very much in favor of the marriage, and is doing
everything he can to bring it about. You see, Barrows is very rich."
"Is he the son of Barrows, the railroad multi-millionaire, do you know?"
"Yes, Hallie told me all about it. She says his father is going to have
him promoted through his influence in Washington to be military attache
to one of our embassies in Europe. He has completely dazzled her with
his wealth, and the prospects ahead of her."
"Too bad."
"And she is such a sweet and sensible girl, but she has no mother, and
the other ladies at the post, especially Mrs.
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