“Well, since I need not be on duty with the General, I will do my best,” he answered.
“You are a cruel despot,” I could not help saying to Francis. She smiled and coloured slightly.
“Oh, Jonker, this is nothing!” sighed the submissive vassal; “when Miss Major was a child, you should have seen what I had to do and suffer.”
“Just so,” replied Francis; “then you spoilt me, and hence your penance is so hard. Give me your hand, my good Rolf; I won’t promise you absolution, but a truce for to-day.”
The old soldier took the hand held out to him, and I saw a tear sparkle in his eye, which reconciled me to him in spite of his vulgar familiarities. He, ashamed of his weakness, tried to hide it from us by a prompt retreat.
Almost immediately afterwards he entered the room again, and approaching Francis he said—
“I know I disturb you, Freule, but it is better that I come instead of Fritz. I met the driver who brought the Jonker, at the gate, and he wishes to know at what hour our visitor intends leaving.”
Whilst hesitating about my answer, I overheard him whisper to Francis—
“I have passed the turkeys in review, and there is one just ready for the cook, but not to-day: I am sorry for le cher cousin.”
I hastened to say—