"It's very kind of you to ask me," he replied, not committing himself.
Mrs. Larcher accompanied him back to the drawing-room, followed by her husband.
"I thought you might like a photograph of Reggie," she said.
This was her first mention of the dead son, and her voice neither shook nor had in it any unwonted expression.
"I should like it very much."
It was on Jamie's tongue to say how fond he had been of the boy, and how he regretted his sad end; but he restrained himself, thinking if the wounds of grief were closed, it was cruel and unnecessary to reopen them.
Mrs. Larcher found the photograph and gave it to James. Her husband stood by, saying nothing.
"I think that's the best we have of him."
She shook hands, and then evidently nerved herself to say something further.
"We're very grateful to you, Captain Parsons, for what you did. And we're glad they gave you the Victoria Cross."