“That comes of going to the front,” said Nannie, finally. “I could have told him.”
Matron asked where.
“I don’t exactly know,” said Lydia, “because he isn’t allowed to say where he is. Somewhere in North Africa. But anyway he’s back now, because letters take so long.”
This elliptical mode of expression was understood by all her audience, except Matron who said she meant where.
“Oh, I don’t know,” said Lydia, “because Octavia didn’t say. But I expect she’s seen it now, so she’ll be able to tell me.”
“Indeed not, madam,” said Nannie. “A young lady to look at a gentleman’s arm he’s had off! I never heard of such a thing.”
Matron, much interested professionally, said it all depended where. If of course it were at or below the elbow it would be easy by just pulling up the coat-sleeve. If
