"Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die,"
said Uncle Robert, using his quotation against him.
"But that doesn't mean paltry little matters like this!"—with all a boy's disdain in his voice.
"It means everything when one is right. As Mr. Meredith said a few moments ago, there is a good deal of soldiering in life which must be all voluntary. That ought to suit your ideas. And I think the great Captain is often very patient with us, Rob. He bought us all with a price, you know, whether we serve him or not."
"But it is so hard for me to be"—Rob made a great effort and said, frankly—"good-tempered."
"I do not think that is it altogether."
"What then?" and Rob looked up in a little astonishment.
"We will put it on a military basis,—shirking one's duty because it is not pleasant."
"There was no particular duty about playing croquet!"—in the same surprised tone.
"Why did you do it at all then?"