At Wilmington, however, he got out, and presently reappeared with
hard-boiled eggs and sandwiches, a big bottle of cold, sweet milk,
and a basket of fruit. Letty awoke; realised that Ailsa had been
holding her in her arms; looked at her in confusion, then
impulsively bent and laid her lips against Ailsa's hands.
"Why--child--I didn't mind," faltered Ailsa, flushing in response
to Letty's swift emotion. "See what this very kind officer has
brought us for dinner, dear! Isn't it delicious?"
They were as hungry as two school children and ate everything; and
by and by the Major of heavy artillery came back and reversed the
seat he had been occupying, and arranged it so he could sit facing
them. He was fat, red-faced, with a pair of terrific moustaches,
and a closely clipped head showing two scars.
"I've daughters older than you, ma'am," he said, in part
explanation of his friendliness. "One's got a new baby. He's a
devil!"
"W-what?" asked Ailsa.
"The right kind of devil, ma'am. I've been to see him! He wanted
my sword; he tried to chew off my shoulder straps; he almost
impaled himself on my spurs. By heaven, ma'am, _that's_ a boy for
you!"
Ailsa smiled.
Pages:
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230