And how could they know that Derry was envying them their cavalry yellow and their olive drab?
As for Jean, throughout the afternoon they gazed upon her as upon an enchanting vision. When they told her "Good-bye" it was the boldest who asked, with a flush on his hard cheek, if he might have a bit of the heather which she wore. "I am Scotch myself, and my mother was, and it would seem a sort of mascot."
If she hesitated for a moment it was only Derry who noticed it. And he helped her out. "It will be a proud day for the heather."
So she gave away a part of his gift, and thanked him with her eyes.
It was after the boys had gone that Derry had a talk alone with Dr. McKenzie.
"But you haven't known her a month—"
"I have wanted her all my life."
"I see—how old are you?"
"Thirty-one."
"You don't look it."