But the Colonel did not seem to hear. He had only eyes and ears for Miss Lorraine.
"We have missed you sadly," he said, with a wistful look at her. "I wonder if it is a good thing for you to see your friends so soon. You have had a rest from their worries all this time."
"But I am quite fit and ready to hear everything now," she said briskly.
Colonel Douglas shook his head.
"About as fit as that pale snowdrop would be to bear a weight of any sort," he replied.
And Jean, watching her invalid with a jealous eye, quite agreed with him, for a very little upset her now. Jean sometimes could hardly believe that illness could so change the quiet, self-contained woman. She started and trembled at the slightest sound, and her tears came as easily as her smiles. She was putting a strong restraint upon herself now. The sight of her old friend was almost too much for her.
Colonel Douglas noted her weakness, and with wonderful tact began to talk to Jean of her grandfather and old home.
"I was down there for a couple of days last week," he said. "We had some snipe shooting. Your cousin is a pleasant young fellow; have you never met him yet?"
"No," said Jean. "I have heard nothing from my old home since I left. I only knew of his existence from you."
"He is trying his hand at farming down there. I shouldn't say he will make his fortune at it, but it gives him something to do, and keeps him from getting into mischief. He asked me after you, how you were getting on, and said he would like to meet you. I thought perhaps when he next comes up to town, Frances—if you are strong enough—"