‘She asked me to—for practice.’ Barbara is curious. ‘Don’t you remember why?’
Of course the Colonel remembers.
‘I know! Billy boy.’
‘You are quick to-day. Now, wait till I get your cane.’
‘I don’t need my cane while I’m sitting.’
‘You look so beau’ful, sitting holding your cane.’ She knocks over his cushions. ‘Oh dear! I am a clumsy.’
Politely, ‘Not at all, but perhaps if I were to do it for myself.’ He makes himself comfortable. ‘That’s better. Thank you, Barbara, very much.’
‘I didn’t do it. I’m all thumbs. What a ghastly nurse I should make.’
‘Nurse?’ The Colonel’s troubles return to him. ‘Who is she, Barbara?’
‘Who is who, dear?’