"And then we can have you all the rest of the afternoon," said Violet.
"No, little peach blossom, you cannot. There's a review on hand. I'll take you down to the seats. There it goes—" And the sweet four o'clock call rang out in front of barracks, repeated then at different points, and answered by soft echoes from the hill.
The little party made their way out, and down among the old trees by the officers' row, where already the seats were filling up. But Magnus found them a good place, and himself stood in front; mounting guard over his treasures with a joy and pride it was pleasant to see. He quite ignored the suggestive looks that came from other men in grey. Just now, he wanted his sisters all to himself. And the way they gazed at him could not be told.
To see how he knew by instinct when an officer came by; instantly whirling around to salute, to note how very often that cap came off to some embodiment of fashion and finery, was a great study. For Magnus was on tiptoe, and put in all the flourishes the law allowed. Only at the sound of the first drum did his exalted state come down.
"That drummer ought to be hung at the sallyport," he said.
"But it is all so pretty," said Rose. "And so in keeping, Magnus."
"You do not know drums," he said. "That call means: 'Charlemagne Kindred—and every other cadet out for a breath of fresh air—walk straight off to barracks.'"
"Does it?" said Violet. "Then why don't you go? We'll walk over with you."
"Sit still! Why don't I go?" and Mr. Kindred gave fresh utterance to his disdain.
"Now it sounds again," said Rose. "Is that a second invitation to 'walk'?"