“I wouldn't want to stay and be shooted,” said Charlie ingenuously.
“There are many older than Charlie,” said Mr. Frost, smiling, “who would doubtless sympathize entirely with him in his objection to being shooted, though they might not be quite so ready to make confession as he has shown himself. I suppose you have heard the couplet:
“'He who fights and runs away
May live to fight another day.'”
“Pray don't speak about shooting,” said Mrs. Frost, with a shudder. “It makes me feel nervous.”
“And to-night we should only admit pleasant thoughts,” said her husband. “Who is going to write me letters when I am gone?”
“I'll write to you, father,” said Alice.
“And so will I,” said Maggie.
“I, too,” chimed in Charlie.
“Then, if you have so many correspondents already engaged, you will hardly want to hear from Frank and myself,” said his wife, smiling.
“The more the better. I suspect I shall find letters more welcome than anything else. You must also send me papers regularly. I shall have many hours that will pass heavily unless I have something to read.”