“Have YOU missed me?” was the eager inquiry.
“Oh, no!” was the cheerful reply; “but all the rest have.”
Presently the malicious thing gave a sudden start.
“Oh! such a piece of news; you remember Colonel Dujardin, the obnoxious colonel?”
No answer.
“Transferred his attentions. Fancy!”
“Who to?”
“To Josephine and mamma. But such are the military. He only wanted to get rid of you: this done (through your want of spirit), he scorns the rich prize; so now I scorn HIM. Will you come for a walk?”
“Oh, yes!”
“We will go and look for my deserter. I say, tell me now; cannot I write to the commander-in-chief about this? a soldier has no right to be a deserter, has he? tell me, you are a public man, and know everything except my heart.”