“I haven’t breathed it to any one else, William,� Colonel Royall said, “not in eighteen years—but I’ve seen it all the time.�
His old friend eyed him grimly. “And it’s frightened you?�
The colonel drew a deep breath. “William,� he said, “do you know how a starving man would feel when he saw his last crust in danger?�
The old doctor paced the broad veranda; beside it a tree of heaven spread its graceful limbs, every branch still double tipped with the rosy leaves of its spring budding. Before him stretched the tender green of the south lawn, shaded by the grove of horse-chestnuts; beyond he caught a distant glimpse of the river.
“David,� he said uncompromisingly, “Diana has a noble heart, but—Jinny Eaton is a fool.�
“I know it,� said the colonel thoughtfully, “but she’s been a mother to the girl and she loves her.�
“She wants to marry her to Jacob,� snapped the doctor.
“I know it,� said the colonel.
“He’s not fit to tie her shoe,� retorted the doctor. “Jacob’s the slickest critter in the county, but I haven’t got any more use for him than Caleb Trench has—if he is your cousin.�
The colonel looked thoughtful. “He’s very clever, William,� he protested, “and he’s very much in love.�