Only come! You're a bit off your oats and
you're talking nonsense. Look at the Colonel--swag-bellied rascal that he is.
He has a wife and no end of a bow-window of his own. Can any one of us ride
round him--chalkstones and all? I can't, and I think I can shove a crock along
a bit.
Capt. G. Some men are different. I haven't any nerve. Lord help me, I haven't
the nerve! I've taken up a hole and a half to get my knees well under the
wallets. I can't help it. I'm so afraid of anything happening to me. On my
soul, I ought to be broke in front of the squadron, for cowardice.
Capt. M. Ugly word, that. I should never have the courage to own up.
Capt. G. I meant to lie about my reasons when I began, but--I've got out of the
habit of lying to you, old man. Jack, you won't?--But I know you won't.
Capt. M. Of course not. (Half aloud.) The Pinks are paying dearly for their
Pride.
Capt. G. Eh! Wha-at?
Capt. M. Don't you know? The men have called Mrs. Gadsby the Pride of the Pink
Hussars ever since she came to us.
Capt. G. 'Tisn't her fault. Don't think that. It's all mine.
Capt. M. What does she say?
Capt. G. I haven't exactly put it before her. She's the best little woman in
the world, Jack, and all that--but she wouldn't counsel a man to stick to his
calling if it came between him and her.
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