“Yes, very. By the way, though, have you noticed how splendidly our lads are behaving?”
“Magnificently, for such mere boys,” said the Colonel meaningly.
“For such mere boys?” said the Major sharply. “I never saw men in any regiment behave better. Why, sir, it was magnificent to-day. I didn’t say anything to Roberts about it, because I don’t want the lads to hear and get puffed up by pride. But, really, sir, I’m very proud of our regiment.”
“And so am I. But you have changed your ideas a little.”
“Bah! Pooh! Nonsense! Don’t jump on a man because he spoke out a bit. You’ll grant yourself that they are a very boyish-looking lot.”
“Yes; but I do not judge them by appearances. I look at their discipline and acts.”
“So do I,” said the Major, “and I recant all I said about them before. There, sir, will that satisfy you?”
“Quite, Graham,” said the Colonel. “There, we must be hopeful. I couldn’t bear for poor Bracy to become a wreck.”