"I can tell yer something," said Connie. "Little Ronald's a real gent—'e's the son of a hofficer in 'Is Majesty's harmy, an' the hofficer's name is Major Harvey, V. C."
"What?" cried Mrs. Anderson. She started back in amazement. "Why, I knew him and his wife," she said. "I know he was killed in South Africa, and I know his dear wife died about a year ago. Why, I've been looking for this child. Is your story quite true, little girl?"
"Yus, it's quite true," said Connie. "But tell me—do tell me—is his father really dead?"
"I fear so. It is true that his death was not absolutely confirmed; but he has been missing for over two years."
"Ma'am," said Connie, "wot do yer mean by his death not bein' confirmed?"
"I mean this, little girl," said Mrs. Anderson—"that his body was never found."
"Then he ain't dead," said Connie.
"What do you mean?"
"I feel it in my bones," said Connie, "same as Ronald felt it in his bones. 'E ain't dead."
Mrs. Anderson laid her hand on the girl's pretty hair.