"Begad, yes mam, saving your presence. There's him a-waiting for same."
"You must insist on his leaving it off, Sergeant."
"Insist? Zounds, my lady, insist—to the Major. Couldn't nowise be done, mam."
"Why then he must lose same, Sergeant Zeb," said my lady roguishly.
"Lose it, mam! Lord mam, his honour would never forgive me."
"He would—O he would. Besides you didn't lose it. And it isn't here, is it?"
"Why it aren't apparent to human observation, my lady. But p'r'aps you might chance to be sit——"
"Hush!" cried my lady, white finger upraised. "Is someone coming?" The Sergeant stepped outside to glance about, listened dutifully and shook his head.
"No mam, but I must get back to the house, his honour will——"
"How is he progressing in health, Sergeant—his appetite—doth he eat well?