“You’d do it very well,” affirmed the elder brother, and praise from Jim was praise indeed. It was the first compliment he had paid the “young ’un” during the visit.
“I’m sure you would, Ted,” the girl affirmed. “Do—for the honour of the 193rd!”
Flushed with excitement and with the glow of perfect health, Ethel Woodburn looked charming that winter morning. Needless to say that one man in the world thought so. Ted blushed at the compliment to his riding.
“But what about Markham?” he objected. “I suppose you’ll consult him first? It’s hardly likely that he’d trust me on ‘The Padre’.”
“That will be all right. I can manage Captain Markham.”
“Oh indeed, madame!” observed Jim. “Another wretched victim of your wiles, I suppose?”
“Exactly so, sir. I trust this will show you the necessity for good behaviour if you wish to remain honoured by my favour.”
Ensign Russell was beginning to think that after all engaged couples did not of necessity behave in quite so silly a fashion as he had imagined. Certainly these two seemed to enjoy poking fun at one another, and showed no signs of “spooning”, each treating the other as the best of friends. Ethel was undoubtedly an uncommonly jolly girl, quite without “side”, and the boy was enjoying the ride immensely. How they behaved when he was not present he had no means of judging. Possibly he would have changed his opinion had he known.
By this time the three had returned close to the regimental parade-ground, and, obedient to the pressure of Ted’s right leg, “Tommy Dodd” wheeled and trotted towards his stable.
Captain Markham was only too glad to learn from Miss Woodburn of our hero’s riding capabilities and willingness to mount “The Padre”. The owner explained to Ted that he had bestowed this name on the animal on account of its wonderful good temper and gentle nature.