“My grandfather says that you must not cross your heart—'t a gentleman's word is enough,” he said, quaintly.
“Oh, he does? Well, I give my word.”
“Well—” He glanced around to see that no one was listening, and sidling a little nearer, lowered his voice: “It 's a great-coat for grandfather!”
“A great-coat! That's famous!” exclaimed the General.
“Yes, is n't it? You see—he 's mighty old and he 's got a bad cough—he caught it in the army, and I have to take care of him. Don't you think that's right?”
“Of course, I do,” said the General, envying one grandfather.
“That's what I tell him. So mamma and I have bought this for him.”
“He must be a proud grandfather,” said the General, with envy biting deeper at his heart.
“I have another grandfather; but I don't like him,” continued the little fellow.
“I am sorry for that,” said the General, sincerely. “Why is that?”