"He looked very handsome, I assure you."
She yawned. "I'll swear he was cursing the heat! I wish you will drive home with me. We will dine outside the town in one of those charmingly vulgar places in the suburbs, and drink our wine at a table by the roadside. just as the burghers do. It will be so amusing!"
"Oh, don't!" he begged. "It sounds delightful, and I can't do it!"
"Why can't you?" she demanded, lifting her eyebrows. "Is it beneath the dignity of a staff officer?"
"You know very well it's not beneath my dignity. But I'm dining at Ninove."
"That stupid cavalry party of Uxbridge's! Oh, nonsense! it can't signify. No one will give a fig for your absence: you won't even be missed, I daresay."
He laughed, but shook his head. "My darling, I daren't!"
She hunched a shoulder. "I am tired of your duty, Charles. It is so tedious!"
"It is indeed."
"I see nothing of you. George and Harry can get leave when they want it; why should not you?"