Maybe you would read it to us." They had not even opened it; for, truth to tell, neither of the good folk were very clever at reading ink, though they could do well with a fine large print.
It was addressed in big letters to "The good people of West Inch;" and this was the note, which lies before me all stained and faded as I write: "My friends,-- I didn't thought to have left you so suddenly, but the matter was in other hands than mine.

Duty and honour have called me back to my old comrades.

This you will doubtless understand before many days are past.

I take your Edie with me as my wife; and it may be that in some more peaceful time you will see us again at West Inch.
Meanwhile, accept the assurance of my affection, and believe me that I shall never forget the quiet months which I spent with you, at the time when my life would have been worth a week at the utmost had I been taken by the Allies.

But the reason of this you may also learn some day." "Yours," "BONAVENTURE DE LISSAC" "(Colonel des Voltigeurs de la Garde, et aide-de-camp de S.M.I.