F. "You are welcome to do that. We are perfectly loyal. Have you not heard what the Van Herdens did in the Kaffir wars, and my grandfather was Scotch."
I. O. "It is only a matter of form, madam. Any one could see that you were loyal!"
F. "Are you a general, mister?"
I. O. "No; I ought to be if I had my deserts; but I am the next best thing. I'm the general's secretary." (Thereupon the old man grunted approval, while the chorus of gaping maids nodded an endorsement behind him.)
F. "Can I see the general, Mister Secretary?"
I. O. "That depends upon the information which you give me now. Why do you wish to see him?"
F. "My children have never seen an English general; besides, this is the first time that the English have ever been to the house; we should like to cook a dinner for the English general!"
I. O. "But your children have seen Burgher generals?"
F. "Oh, yes; they are nothing. We had Commandant Brand here yesterday!"
I. O. "When did he leave?"