"I don't think I
shall ever forget about the Saxon Heptarchy, and Egbert, and
Alfred."
"How about forgetting me?"
"You know I couldn't," said Daisy, with a most genial smile.
"Oh, Captain Drummond!" — she added, as a flash of sudden
thought crossed her face.
"What now, Daisy?"
The child looked at him with a most earnest, inquisitive
wistful gaze. The Captain had some difficulty to stand it.
"Oh, Captain Drummond," she repeated, — "are you going to be
ashamed of Christ?"
The young soldier was strangely enough confused by this simple
question. His embarrassment was even evident. He hesitated for
a reply, and it did not readily come. When it came, it was an
evasion.
"That is right, Daisy," he said; "stand by your colours. He is
a poor soldier that carries them behind his back in the face
of the enemy. But whatever field you die in, I should like to
be alongside of you."
He spoke gravely. And he asked no leave this time, but,
clasping Daisy's hand, he bent down and kissed her forehead
twice, and earnestly; then he did not say another word, but
strode away. A little flush rose on Daisy's brow, for she was
a very particular little lady as to who touched her; however
she listened attentively to the sound of the retreating hoofs
which carried the Captain off along the road; and when Juanita
at last came in with her little tray and a cup of tea, she
found Daisy's face set in a very thoughtful mood, and her eyes
full of tears.
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