"Partly, my dear, because Atkinson is the senior captain."
"Oh, yes! I forgot that. And what is the other reason?"
"Well, Emma, that reason is known only to myself, but I do not mind your knowing it; but you must not whisper it to anyone."
"What is it?" his wife asked curiously.
"Because, my dear, Trumpeter Smith belongs to that troop, and I thought I would give him the chance of distinguishing himself. Someday, when it comes to a question of promotion, it will count in his favour that he has seen active service."
"Oh, I am glad, Robert! It was very good of you to think of it. I wish that he could know that you thought of him."
"That he certainly cannot know," the major said decidedly. "It would be a nice thing for it to be known by anyone that the arrangements as to which troop should go on service had been influenced by my desire to do a good turn to a trumpeter. The other reason is a good and sufficient one. Atkinson, as senior captain, has almost a right to the first chance that offers. He is pretty sure to get brevet rank if there is any hard fighting."
At this moment there was a knock at the door and an orderly entered, and saluting handed a note to Major Horsley. He glanced through it, and an expression of pleasure crossed his face.
"My compliments to the colonel. I will come across and see him at once."
"What is it, Robert?" his wife asked as the door closed behind the soldier.