"See that she wants for nothing," he said gently. "When the doctor is through, bring her right over and have everything comfortable."
"I'se done planned dat out, Marse John," she spoke with her more accustomed tenderness. "She's gwine have de room 'crost from Miss Liz, an' fresh boo-kays eve'y day. We'se comin' over 'foh long, too; fer de doctor say he ain' gwine take no moh skin offen her." Then suddenly she exclaimed: "What, in de land sake, is de matter wid you-all's pants?"
But he had turned, and in deep thought started across the grass to the big house, leaving her in open-mouthed amazement.
"One doesn't see much handsomer things than that girl has showed us," he said to Brent, who was keeping somewhat in advance.
"No," he answered over his shoulder.
Awhile longer the old gentleman walked with bowed head, then asked:
"Why your abstraction, sir?"
Brent wheeled and faced him. He was crimson with shame, and blurted out two short sentences:
"I'm a pup, Colonel! I've no right to walk with you!"
"Eh—wha—what do you mean, sir?"