“A very just observation,” said Miss Tippet, nodding approval.
“Why, mother, who would have expected to hear you standing up for the red-coats in this fashion?” said Frank.
“I stand up for the blue-jackets too,” observed Mrs Willders meekly; “they fight for their country as well.”
“True, mother,” rejoined Frank; “but I did not refer to ultimate ends, I only thought of the immediate results in connection with those engaged. The warrior fights, and, in so doing, destroys life and property. The fireman fights, and in doing so protects and preserves both.”
“Hear! hear!” interrupted Willie; “but the copy-book says ‘Comparisons are odiows!’ don’t it? Mother, here’s a fathom and two inches or so of humanity as wants me to go with him to Mr Auberly. I s’pose Frank can get along without me for a little while—eh?”
“Certainly, my son; why does he want you?”
“Don’t know. P’raps he’s goin’ to offer to make me his secretary. But you don’t seem at all alarmed at the prospect of my being carried off by a flunkey.”
“You’ll come back, dearie, I doubt not.”
“Don’t you? Oh, very well; then I’ll just look after myself. If I don’t return, I’ll advertise myself in the Times. Good-bye.”
Willie returned to the door and announced that he was ready to go.