“Vincent is in the doldrums,” he said.
“What about?” grumbled the major, with his mouth full of curry.
“You asked him if he was sore. He is: about the thrashing you gave him this morning.”
“Bah! nonsense! Good lesson for you, boy. You won’t make that mistake again. You are getting on capitally. Wish we had a couple more of your breed.”
“There, Vincent,” said Brace; “what do you say now?”
I could not say anything, only feel as if the morning had suddenly become bright and joyous; and I began to make a wonderful breakfast; while the major chatted over a few matters connected with the discipline of the troop and the behaviour of some of the men.
“Well,” said Brace, as soon as the major had gone; for he jumped up suddenly on receiving a message from his own quarters, leaving his half-eaten curry and a newly filled cup of coffee.
“The general down,” he cried. “Bring Vincent over this evening for an hour or two.”
“Well,” said Brace, “how are the spirits now?”
“Oh, better,” I said, smiling; “but I do wish I was more clever.”