Nicky-Nan, Reservist by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
page 81 of 297 (27%)
page 81 of 297 (27%)
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"But the noise was terrible. I--I thought for sure it must be the Germans," came in Mrs Penhaligon's voice. "Nothing of the sort. You exaggerate things," answered Nicky-Nan, commanding his voice. "A rush of soot down the chimney, that's all. I've been expectin' it for weeks." "You mustn't mind my bein' easily alarmed--left alone as I be with a family--" "Not in the least, ma'am." Nicky-Nan resolutely closed the door and lifted his candle to confirm the miracle. The candle, which had been guttering, shot up one last flame and died on a flicker of gold. CHAPTER VII. "QUID NON MORTALIA PECTORA . . ." A moment later Nicky-Nan took a step to the door, half-repentant, on an impulse to call Mrs Penhaligon back and bid her fetch a candle. God knows how much of subsequent trouble he might have spared himself by obeying that impulse: for Mrs Penhaligon was a woman honest as the day; and withal had a head on her shoulders, shrewd enough--practised |
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