'He has been lying low, has he? If I mistake not, you will have a brush with him yet before long, so be on the look-out.'
And Teddy found the good rector's words come true. Days came when he tried his mother's patience much by his fractiousness and restlessness, and he was more often the vanquished than the conqueror.
Even Nancy one day remonstrated with him.
'You're nasty and cross to-day. No one pleases you.'
'I want to get out. I'm tired of this old kitchen.'
'If you can't get out, you can't. Being cross won't take you out.' This logic convinced, but did not comfort.
'I expect your Captain won't come near you when you're cross.' And then
Teddy burst out crying,—
'I'm not a soldier at all. I don't know how to stand fire, and it's all
Ipse, and I'm too tired to fight him!'
Poor little soldier! One above took note of the physical weakness and weariness, and in His tenderness pitied and forgave.