“Thank you,” said Gaspard humbly. “Good-night, my boy. You will run over tomorrow afternoon, eh?”
“After lessons tomorrow morning, Daddy,” said Paul firmly.
“Come, Master Paul.” It was old Jinny, who considered it still her nightly duty and privilege to see Master Paul safely tucked away for the night.
“Ah, Jinny! Glad to see you again,” said Gaspard, rising and giving her hand a warm shake. “I hear you have been behaving yourself.”
“Aw, weel, they that asks a bugler needs yin,” said Jinny briskly. “I’m rale glad tae see ye, tho ye’re sair peakit like.”
“Well, I’ve had a bit of a cold, but I’ll soon be fit again. Well, good-night, Jinny. You have taken good care of the boy, I see.”
“An’ why wad I no?” said Jinny stoutly. “I held his mither on my knee. Guid-night, sir. Guid-night, mem.”
Gaspard stood staring after her in silence.
“A faithful and very worthy old soul,” said the Colonel, noting his gaze. “One of the best.”
“Yes, a faithful soul—faithful to the dead and faithful to the living.” He sank into his chair, covered his face with his hands and sat there huddled and silent.