"I'm glad you like her," he said.
Supper was finished, and Mrs. Parsons went out of the room for a moment. James took out his case and offered a cigar to his father.
"I don't smoke, Jamie," replied the Colonel.
James lit up. The old man looked at him with a start, but said nothing; he withdrew his chair a little and tried to look unconcerned. When Mrs. Parsons returned, the room was full of smoke; she gave a cry of surprise.
"James!" she said, in a tone of reproach. "Your father objects to smoking."
"It doesn't matter just this once," said the Colonel, good-humouredly.
But James threw his cigar into the fire, with a laugh.
"I quite forgot; I'm so sorry."
"You never told us you'd started smoking," observed Mrs. Parsons, almost with disapprobation, "Would you like the windows open to let the smell out, Richmond?"
There was a ring at the door, and Mary's voice was heard.