In the hall Mrs. Birkett was the first to say good-bye, again almost in tears when she spoke of the view of the School from the top-floor bedroom.
“If you will allow me,” said Colonel Crofts, “I should like to try my hand at a water-colour drawing of that view. The English landscape is very difficult from the Indian, but as I shall pass the rest of my life in England I may as well get used to it. I can’t hope to do justice to your School, but if the result is at all pleasing to you I should ask you to accept it as a small thank-offering for your kindness and your husband’s. I assure you I have felt I was among friends from the first day I came here.”
The Birketts thanked him warmly for his thought and said they would like of all things to have such a remembrance from a friend, and then t
