My thoughts were in a turmoil, as we strolled along. How was I to broach the subject to the Colonel? Perhaps he would give me an opening.
He was seated at a table by the only window in the room; as we entered, a subaltern saluted and passed out.
"Ah, messieurs, I am glad indeed to see you," said the Colonel, rising from his chair, and warmly shaking our hands. "I hope my outburst last evening did not alarm you, you must forgive an old man, who finds it difficult to keep his temper sometimes."
"You did not alarm us at all, it was most justifiable."
"In fact," chimed in Mr. Neville, "so much so that it induced my friend here to come to you this morning, to ask for a half-hour or so of your time."
"Delighted, delighted; but I do not see the connection between the two."
"Then," said I, feeling desperately uneasy, "I must explain, if you will give me permission."
"Please take a chair, and make yourselves as comfortable as these quarters permit."
He pulled his own chair round as we seated ourselves, and held out a box of cigarettes to us.
"I cannot offer you cigars like the ones I smoked last night," he said apologetically.