Mo grinned, interjected a British Army French word now and then, and manifested delight when Jeanne understood. Phineas talked laboriously, endeavouring to expound his responsibility for Doggie's welfare. He had been his tutor. He used the word "_tuteur_."
"That's a guardian, you silly ass," cried Doggie. "He means '_instituteur_.' Go on. Or, rather, don't go on. The lady isn't interested."
"_Mais si_," said Jeanne, catching at the last English word. "It interests me greatly."
"_Merci, mademoiselle_," said Phineas grandly. "I only wish to explain to you that while I live you need have no fear for Doggie. I will protect him with my body from shells and promise to bring him safe back to you. And so will Monsieur Shendish."
"_Oui, oui, oui!_" said Mo, nodding vigorously.
A spot of colour burned on Jeanne's pale cheek, and Doggie grew red under his tanned skin. He cursed Phineas below his breath, and exchanged a significant glance with Mo. Jeanne said, in her even voice:
"I hope all the Three Musketeers will come back safe."
Mo extended a grimy hand. "Well, good-bye, miss! McPhail here and I must be going."
She shook hands with both, wishing them _bonne chance_, and they strolled away. Doggie lingered.
"You mustn't mind what McPhail says. He's only an old imbecile."
"You have two comrades who love you. That is the principal thing."
"I think they do, each in his way. As for Mo----"
"Well----" said he reluctantly, after a pause, "good-bye, Jeanne."
"If I shouldn't come back--I mean if we were billeted somewhere else--I should like to write to you."
"Well--Mademoiselle Bossière, chez Madame Morin, Frélus. That is the address."
Without waiting for a reply, he scribbled what was necessary on a sheet torn from a notebook and gave it to her. Their hands met.
"_Au revoir_, Dog-gie. But I shall see you again to-night."
She smiled and turned to leave the kitchen. Doggie clattered into the yard.
"Been doin' a fine bit o' coartin', Doggie," said Private Appleyard from Taunton, who was sitting on a box near by and writing a letter on his knees.
"Not so much of your courting, Spud," replied Doggie cheerfully. "Who are you writing to? Your best girl?"
"I be writin' to my own lawful mizzus," replied Spud Appleyard.