"I might—perhaps it was fancy, caused by the suspicion that was in my own mind—but I thought he slightly emphasized the words 'your mother.' No, I am sure it was not fancy, for James' lips shut together in the compressed way they did when he was angry, and a frown gathered on his forehead—he had caught the peculiar tone as I did."
CHAPTER XLIX.
THE GENERAL PROPOSES A TRIP TO CADIZ.
"While James was reading the letter, the General said to his wife—
"'I find that I shall be obliged to go back to Cadiz, so I will bring Zillah home.'
"James crumpled the letter in his hand, and called out in so loud and agitated a voice that Mrs. Harrington absolutely started—
"'I will go back for Zillah, mother.'
"The General turned a little in his chair, glanced at me, then regarded James—his eyebrows slightly raised with an expression of surprise.
"'Upon my word,' said he, pleasantly as ever, 'I scarcely see the necessity for your playing preux chevalier in this case, James.'
"'Not the slightest,' said Mrs. Harrington. 'But James is always thoughtful for others.'