‘It’s the most exasperating piece of presumption I ever heard of in all my life. He shall not have it—not an hour!’
‘The commanding officer recommends it, sir; a substitute is named; I really don’t think—’ said the brigade-major, expostulating. It is so unusual a thing for a general officer to refuse leave which is properly backed up and all according to form.
‘What do I care about the colonel? Does he command the brigade, or do I?’
‘Oh, of course it rests with you, sir; still, to refuse it peremptorily and without apparent reasons—’
‘Without reasons, man? Don’t you know that—?’ the general stopped short. His brigade-major probably did not know the family trouble, nor was there reason why he should.
‘Telegraph up for Colonel Greathed to come and see me, as soon as possible,’ the general said, abruptly. ‘I will speak to him personally on the subject.’
The general had cooled down a little by the time Colonel Greathed arrived. He was quite cautious and diplomatic too, speaking first of certain routine matters before he approached the matter he had really at heart.
‘I see your adjutant is asking for leave. Are you sure you can spare him?’
‘Oh, I think so, sir.’