"'You are too kind,' I answered, and if his tone was cold, mine certainly, was haughty enough. 'I have none with which I need trouble you.'
"The General, whom nothing escaped, looked curiously from one to the other, but did not speak.
"'You will not be gone long, James?' Mrs. Harrington asked, with the unconscious spirit of exaction which is apt to grow upon those who have been ill and suffered a good deal.
"'Not long enough for you to miss me, dear,' he replied, and his voice was kind and gentle as ever.
"I must do him that justice at least—his manner to his mother never varied. Whatever the secret was that disturbed him, however much preoccupied he might be—and sometimes he looked worn and troubled, as a man might who was struggling with evil spirits—he had always cheerful words and smiles at his command for her.
"He went up to her now, kissed her and said something in a low voice—some pleasant, affectionate words, I knew by the light that came over her face.
"'Good morning, James,' said the General kindly.
"'Good morning, General Harrington,' returned he in a hard, steely voice, bowed to me, and quitted the room abruptly.
"The General shrugged his shoulders, looked somewhat impatient, and a little amused.
"I had withdrawn to the window, and the General, walking up and down the room, passed me, and stopped a moment.