The hand which lay in mine told me that Nancy's confidence was waning.
I knew then how much I valued it.

"Not very well, is he?" I asked of the keeper. "A little out of
sorts--this weather, you know."

My reputation was in his hands, but I dared make no sign. Nancy's eyes
were on my face.

The man looked at me and then at the eager little face below him.
"Heavy cold, Sir," he said stolidly. "Always makes 'em a bit hard o'
hearing. Poor old Topsy! Want to be left alone, do you?"

"What a pity," said Nancy. "Mother _will_ be sorry to hear that the
only one you could speak to was so ill and deaf."

"What were you giving him?" she asked as we walked away.

"Only a little New Year present for his children," I said.

"How do you know he's got any children?" Nancy demanded. "He didn't
say so, did he?"

"No, but I'm quite certain he has," I answered.

* * * * *

Letter received by an officer in Egypt:--