"Hum!" quoth the Major, rubbing his chin harder than ever.
"—I purpose (subject to your permission) to inflict myself upon you—"
"The devil he does!"
"—having been ordered rest and quiet and country air."
"Hum! I wonder!" mused the Major.
"Pray spare yourself the fatigue of writing as I leave London at once and well knowing your extreme kindness I hope to have the felicity of greeting you within a day or so,
Your most grateful, humble and obedient nephew,
TOM."
Having read this through the Major fell to profound meditation.
"I wonder?" he mused and pulled the bell.
"Sergeant!" said he, as the door opened.