“No, nothing. Do not ask me about it. It was only an accidental remark which jarred on me. But it is time for us to be going.”
Dorothea came out to them with wonder and concern written on her face.
“Good-bye, little one,” said Maurice, tenderly; and once more he embraced her.
She looked up at him humbly.
“I have not offended you, sir? You will come again?” she pleaded.
“My dear little creature, you offend me! Of course I shall come again. You do look forward to my visits, then?” he said, with a brighter face.
“Very much, sir; and so does father.”
“Ah! Well, good-bye.”
He took a step from her.
“Thank the Herr Maurice for his handsome present before he goes,” came in the tones of a drill-sergeant from the forester.