Does she ever speak ? '' asked Randal , trying to lounge on the haircloth sofa , where he was slipping uncomfortably about . `` Oh yes , and sings like a bird . You shall hear her when she gets over her shyness . But no trifling , mind you , for it is a jealously guarded daisy and not to be picked by any idle hand , '' said Sophie warningly , as she recalled Ruth 's blushes and Randal 's compliments at dinner . `` I should expect to be annihilated by the big brother if I attempted any but the ` sincerest ' admiration and respect . Have no fears on that score , but tell us what is to follow this superb dinner . An apple bee , spinning match , husking party , or primitive pastime of some sort , I have no doubt . '' `` As you are new to our ways I am going to let you rest this evening . We will sit about the fire and tell stories . Aunt is a master hand at that , and Saul has reminiscences of the war that are well worth hearing if we can only get him to tell them . '' `` Ah , he was there , was he ? '' `` Yes , all through it , and is Major Basset , though he likes his plain name best . He fought splendidly and had several wounds , though only a mere boy when he earned his scars and bars . I 'm very proud of him for that , '' and Sophie looked so as she glanced at the photograph of a stripling in uniform set in the place of honor on the high mantel-piece . `` We must stir him up and hear these martial memories . I want some new incidents , and shall book all I can get , if I may . '' Here Randal was interrupted by Saul himself , who came in with an armful of wood for the fire . `` Anything more I can do for you , cousin ? '' he asked , surveying the scene with a rather wistful look .
`` Only come and sit with us and talk over war times with Mr. XXXXX . ''
Basset Randal Sophie daisy fire haircloth mantel-piece shyness stripling war