"I will speak to Parker," declared the general as the girl left.
"I wish you didn't have to," sighed Henrietta. "It's horrid to lose your money, but it must be so much worse to need money so that you would steal it."
"But that's the test of honesty," declared the general. "To need money and not steal."
"I know," admitted Henrietta, pushing aside her coffee cup. "I do admire strong people who can resist, but I'm so much sorrier for the weak who can't. It's pitiful, that's what it is."
"Yes," cried Billy, as usual carried away by her feelings. "Let's not say a thing."
The door opened for the third time, but instead of the ineffective maid-servant, the farmer's wife, fat, red-cheeked, good-natured, entered.
She approached the table and smiled jovially from one to the other.
"I hope you liked everything," she said with a gentle hint in her tones that they had lingered around the breakfast table long enough. "Have you had plenty, General? Can't I get you some more coffee, Miss Crossman?"
"No, thank you," said the general, confused and unhappy.
Mrs. Parker smiled still. "I am glad you liked everything. Your man should be back soon. He hasn't had any breakfast yet."