"We've never seriously thought that Jeb----" she began, but could get no farther and relapsed into a sorrowful contemplation of the tulip bed.
"There, there; I know, I know," the old gentleman interrupted gently. "I know how you feel about him; I know how you've both been more than mothers to him!"
"We've done our best," there was a tightness in Miss Sallie's voice. "He never remembered his own mother, and was so little when dear brother Jebediah died."
"I know, I know," he murmured. "How old is Jeb?"
Another silence fell upon them. Then the Colonel sighed, turned and started on his way downtown, still muttering to himself as he went:
"I know, I know. All the same, that Kaiser's a damned murderer, and we've got to smash him if it takes the last drop of blood in Hillsdale; yes, sir, the last precious drop!" So by the time he reached the hotel his step was vigorous and the ferrule of his cane struck the sidewalk with military precision. Fifty-three years ago he had marched that way with Grant--or was it with Lee? Hillsdales do spread over such a lot of territory!
"Did you ever!" Miss Sallie gasped, breaking the silence.
"Sakes alive," Miss Veemie whispered, calling upon her nearest approach to profanity. But they continued to stare after him, by unspoken accord moving to the fence and leaning over it, farther and farther, to keep him in sight as long as possible.
It was while they were so occupied that a girl stepped out upon the side veranda. She hesitated an instant, poising lightly in surprise at their rather unusual attitudes, and biting her lips to keep from laughing outright. Then coming down into the garden, she asked:
"_Marian!_ When did you get home? How did you get in without our seeing you?"
Her parasol fell to the ground before their onslaught of affectionate greetings, as they held her off, only to draw her close to them.
"Why," she laughed, somewhat out of breath, "the front door was open--as usual; so I came on through--as usual--looking for you!"
"_When_ did you get home?" they insisted. "Is it really you?"
"You little dears," she cried. "Oh, but it's good to see you!"
"Hm-hm," she laughed, kissing them upon the cheeks. "I suppose I'll have to, unless Daddy has a change of heart and lets me go to France."