“Because I have seen so much of him in the short time I have been with the troop, Sir George. He is such an excellent soldier—one of the smartest men we have.”
“All that has been taken into consideration, Mr Darrell, again and again, and taken in extenuation of some of his failings; but he has gone too far now. The man is a thorough wastrel.”
“But I think there is some good in the man, Sir George.”
The general shrugged his shoulders.
“You must have microscopic eyes, Mr Darrell. His officers, who have had long experience of the man, have failed to discover it.”
“He has behaved very bravely in action, sir.”
“Yes; I am told so. But cannot you see, Mr Darrell, the necessity for preserving the character of your corps—how it must be kept in the highest state of discipline?”
“Yes, Sir George, of course; but—I don’t know how it is—I have felt attracted by this man. He is a gentleman, evidently, by birth and education.”
“Have you become at all intimate with him, Mr Darrell?” said the general sharply.
“Oh, no, Sir George; I have never spoken to him except to give orders.”