M. (Aside.) 'Couldn't conceive any woman getting permanently between me
and the Regiment. (Aloud.) 'Can't say. 'Very likely I should do no better. I'm
sorry for you--awf'ly sorry--but "if them's your sentiments," I believe, I
really do, that you are acting wisely.
Capt. G. Do you? I hope you do. (In a whisper.) Jack, be very sure of yourself
before you marry. I'm an ungrateful ruffian to say this, but marriage--even as
good a marriage as mine has been--hampers a man's work, it cripples his sword-
arm, and oh, it plays Hell with his notions of duty. Sometimes--good and sweet
as she is--sometimes I could wish that I had kept my freedom--No, I don't mean
that exactly.
Mrs. G. (Coming down veranda.) What are you wagging your head over, Pip?
Capt. M. (Turning quickly.) Me, as usual. The old sermon. Your husband is
recommending me to get married. 'Never saw such a one-ideaed man.
Mrs. G. Well, why don't you? I dare say you would make some woman very happy.
Capt. G. There's the Law and the Prophets, Jack. Never mind the Regiment. Make
a woman happy. (Aside.) O Lord!
Capt. M. We'll see. I must be off to make a Troop Cook desperately unhappy. I
won't have the wily Hussar fed on Government Bullock Train shinbones--
(Hastily.
Pages:
1238
1239
1240
1241
1242
1243
1244
1245
1246
1247
1248
1249
1250
1251
1252
1253
1254
1255
1256
1257
1258
1259
1260
1261
1262