There -- there was another reason altogether , Una . '' `` Do n't you like father ? '' asked Una , lifting reproachful eyes . `` Oh , Miss West , you do n't know how nice he is . I 'm sure he 'd make you a GOOD husband . '' Even in the midst of her perplexity and distress Rosemary could n't help a twisted , little smile . `` Oh , do n't laugh , Miss West , '' Una cried passionately . `` Father feels DREADFUL about it . '' `` I think you 're mistaken , dear , '' said Rosemary . `` I 'm not . I 'm SURE I 'm not . Oh , Miss West , father was going to whip Carl yesterday -- Carl had been naughty -- and father could n't do it because you see he had no PRACTICE in whipping . So when Carl came out and told us father felt so bad , I slipped into the study to see if I could help him -- he LIKES me to comfort him , Miss West -- and he did n't hear me come in and I heard what he was saying . I 'll tell you , Miss West , if you 'll let me whisper it in your ear . '' Una whispered earnestly . Rosemary 's face turned crimson . So John Meredith still cared . HE had n't changed his mind . And he must care intensely if he had said that -- care more than she had ever supposed he did . She sat still for a moment , stroking Una 's hair .
Then she said , `` Will you take a little letter from me XXXXX your father , Una ? ''
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