“Yes, Jack, all seems ready for action.”

“Except you, Jem.”

“I?—I’m ready.”

“No; you ought to have had a new suit, Jem.”

“No; I said I would not,” cried the major; “and I’ve kept to that, and that alone. I’ve given way in everything else. Let me alone there.”

“All right; all right. I say no more. Change the subject, Jem; we won’t have words to-night. Glynne looks lovely; doesn’t she?”

“Fit bride for a god,” said the major. “Bless her!”

“Amen. Calm, satisfied and happy in her choice.”

“H’m.”

The major coughed a little.