“And only half Composition,” put in Wooden’s aunt.
“Well, that’s as may be,” said Colonel Jim. “Anyhow, she got him to let her nurse the Queen, and told him to give out that she was dead. She wasn’t dead at all, but getting better all the time.”
“Do you mean that she told a story?” asked Wooden, in a voice of consternation.
“Yes,” said Colonel Jim. “I do.”
“Well,” said Wooden, “I never liked her; but I did not think she would go so far as that.”
“It’s depravity,” said Wooden’s mother. “That’s what I call it; positive depravity.”
“Well, that’s as may be,” said Colonel Jim again. “Anyhow, that’s what she did.”
“How did you find out about Rose so cleverly?” asked Lady Grace.
Colonel Jim looked pleased at being called clever, which he wasn’t very. “One of my troopers is going to be married to Rose’s maid,” he said. “She heard them talking—Rose and Selim—and told him about it. He came and told me. Very proper thing to do. Made him a lance-corporal on the spot. He marries the maid tomorrow. Shall give them a wedding present. Silver pepper-castor.”
“Then, where is dear Queen Rosebud?” asked Wooden. “I am so glad she isn’t dead after all. I wish we could see her.”