“It is noon oh five,” Faith said, pointing at the clock.

“I am glad to see you know how to tell time, Faith,” Jessie said as she controlled a grin. “But we say ‘twelve oh five’ or ‘five after twelve.’”

“Yes, Miss Jessie. Will you come with us to see our uncle since you are not going outside?”

“I don’t think your uncle would welcome a visit from me. After all, he does not know me. Perhaps you should go by yourselves.”

“Please go with us,” Faith insisted. “We will tell Uncle William you are a nice teacher and he must be your friend.”

Only because the little girls insisted, Jessie agreed to accompany them. Faith and Hope—obviously well trained in how to behave in their home—tried not to run through the halls on their way to their uncle’s room, but Jessie still had to walk quickly not to lose them.

Eventually, the girls turned a corner and were out of her sight, leaving her wondering if she was on the right path; however, the sounds of happy giggles and the deep voice of the major assured her she was not lost.

Around the corner she went, and there was the open door of the invalid’s chamber. As soon as she turned the corner, Jessie had a direct view of the major lying in his bed. He was propped up on many pillows, his injured arm in a sling, and his other arm busy giving strong hugs to his nieces.

The girls were on the verge of throwing themselves upon him when Jessie entered. Seeing no other adults in the room to restrain them, she quickly hurried over to prevent the children from hurting their uncle. Hope was attempting to climb up on the bed until Jessie put a stop to the child’s progress.

“Oh, please, Miss Jessie. Uncle William always lets me snuggle up to him!”

“But not today, Hope. Your uncle’s arm is injured.”