"You'll be kept busy, Ted," he said. "Mark my words, if she has her wits about her, she'll make use of you. I should, if I were in her shoes. You're a first-rate carpenter."
"She gave me a first-rate cup of tea," said Major Urquhart; "boiled some water up in a spirit lamp in a jiffy. She's good for emergencies, I can tell you! Wasn't flustered or fussed, but sat down and told me a rattling good story of an experience she had in Ireland with the Paddies. Her husband was a soldier. She seems to have been in all quarters of the globe."
"She sounds interesting," said Sidney; "I'll call on her as soon as ever I can."
"I told her you'd be down first thing to-morrow morning, and she's coming to lunch. Her maid doesn't come to her till to-morrow evening."
The Admiral laughed out.
"I wonder you didn't offer her a bed, and bring her back to dinner," he said.
"I offered it," said the Major, quite unabashed. "I knew Sidney would be delighted, but she declined."
"But why hasn't Mrs. de Cressiers befriended her, if she is a connection?" asked Sidney.
"I didn't ask. Shouldn't think she's a little woman to hang on to her connections; too independent for that."
"But," began Sidney; and then she stopped herself. She was about to say that surely connections should be asked for hospitality before strangers; but she knew how impulsive her uncle was, and did not want to hurt his feelings.