“Very good, sir.”
“And mind, if I am wanted, I am unwell in bed. I want a good start.”
“I see, sir. You may depend on me. But what house, sir, in Prince’s Road?”
“You’ll see, blockhead. The one that is lighted up. Mrs Pontardent’s.”
Major Rockley’s regimental servant saluted, turned upon his heel, and went out muttering “Scoundrel!” between his teeth. “I wonder who the lady is?”
“I wouldn’t change places with you, my fine fellow,” he muttered, as he went across the parade ground; and, turning a corner, he came suddenly upon Sir Harry Payne, Sir Matthew Bray, and the new cornet, who flushed scarlet, as he saw the dragoon.
James Bell saluted, and was passing, but Sir Harry Payne stopped him, and Cornet Denville said hastily:
“I’ve left my cigar-case. Join you directly.”
He went away quickly, and Sir Harry Payne said:
“Where are you going, Bell?”