And the young fellow looked rather grim above his brass and scarlet.
"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
"Nor have you, sir. But can't you guess why I've come back for the first time to-night?"
Carlton considered, and suddenly his hollow eyes lit up; but those of the grenadier had lighted first.
"Was it—was it really to—to be here to-morrow, George?"
"That was it, sir—and nothing else! I'd heard how you were building it up with your own——"
"Never mind that, George."
"I heard it from Tom Ivey, who found me out in barracks not long since, and gave me all the Long Stow news. That's how I came to hear of the consecration to-morrow. He said he was coming down for it, and I said I would too if I could get leave; and I did; and we've come down together to-night."
Neither of them had dreamt of intruding at that hour; but Mellis had seen the old light in the old window, and felt he must just come up to shake hands. Yes, he would come in gladly after church to-morrow. No, he had seen no one else to speak to as yet, except Mrs. Musk; and the grenadier stood confused.
"Where did you see her?"