From one to another Peg flitted with a good-night kiss. With a grave and puzzled air Paul followed her example, reserving his father to the last. “Good-night, Daddy,” he said in a clear, firm voice, putting his arms about his father’s neck. His father threw an arm about the boy and drew him close in a quick, strong embrace, and for a moment or two held him there. “I’m awful, awfully glad you’re home, Daddy,” said the boy, standing up straight, with a hand on his father’s shoulder. “I’m awfully glad. I’m coming home tomorrow after lessons.” The boy, standing very straight, let his eyes pass from one to the other of the group about the table, as if challenging each to dispute his announcement. A warm flush rose to Gaspard’s face. “Good-night, boy,” he said in a husky, hurried voice. “Not tomorrow, Paul, if Mrs. Pelham will allow you to remain a day or so—” his eyes were turned in wistful appeal to that lady. “Oh, surely, Mr. Gaspard,” she hastened to reply. “We shall be glad to keep Paul as long as he can stay.” “Thank you,” said Gaspard humbly. “Good-night, my boy. You will run over tomorrow afternoon, eh?” “After lessons tomorrow morning, Daddy,” said Paul firmly. “Come, Master Paul.” It was old Jinny, who considered it still her nightly duty and privilege to see Master Paul safely tucked away for the night. “Ah, Jinny! Glad to see you again,” said Gaspard, rising and giving her hand a warm shake. “I hear you have been behaving yourself.” “Aw, weel, they that asks a bugler needs yin,” said Jinny briskly. “I’m rale glad tae see ye, tho ye’re sair peakit like.” “Well, I’ve had a bit of a cold, but I’ll soon be fit again. Well, good-night, Jinny. You have taken good care of the boy, I see.” “An’ why wad I no?” said Jinny stoutly. “I held his mither on my knee. Guid-night, sir. Guid-night, mem.” Gaspard stood staring after her in silence. “A faithful and very worthy old soul,” said the Colonel, noting his gaze. “One of the best.” “Yes, a faithful soul—faithful to the dead and faithful to the living.” He sank into his chair, covered his face with his hands and sat there huddled and silent. “Brace up, old chap,” said the Colonel, after vigorously clearing his throat. “We understand, and we thoroughly sympathise with your whole position.” As he spoke the Colonel faced his wife boldly. “Thank you, thank you, Pelham,” said Gaspard brokenly, grasping the Colonel’s hand. “More than I can say I appreciate your sympathy. God knows I need it, though I’m not asking for it.” He lifted his head and faced his hostess. “No, I’m not asking for it. I meant to tell you. It is but just to you—to all—that I should. You, Mrs. Pelham, disapprove of me and—of—of my household; not without reason, as far as I am concerned. As to—my—my household, a word or two is necessary. I married this Indian woman——” “Married!” exclaimed the Colonel. “Good man!” “Married!” cried Augusta. “But that’s different!”