"Never mind!" said Gordon. "You won't be the babe much longer. We shall have his Royal Highness the Hereditary Prince of Nassau-Usingen with us soon. and we understand he's only nineteen."
"He can't be of any use. What the devil do we want him for?"
"We don't want him. We're just having him to lend tone to the family. Charles, are you going to Braine-le-Comte?"
"Yes, I'm waiting for the letters now. Any message?"
"No. Such is my nobility of character that I'll go in your stead. Now, don't overwhelm me with thanks: Sacrifice is a pleasure to me."
"I shan't. Pure self-interest gleams in your eye. Give my compliments to Slender Billy, and don't outstay your welcome. Is he giving a dinner party?"
"This ingratitude! How can you, Charles?" Gordon said.
"Easily. I shall laugh if you find the Duke has labelled the despatch 'Quick'."
"If there's any 'Quick' about it, you shall take it," promised Gordon.
"Not I! You offered to go, and you shall go. Young Mr Cathcart will enlarge his military experience by kicking his heels here; and Colonel Audley will seize a well-earned rest from his arduous duties." He pciked up his hat from a chair as he spoke, and witt a wave to Gordon and an encouraging nod to Cathcart, made for the door. There he collided with a very burly young man, whose bulk almost filled the aparture. He recoiled, and said promptly: "In the very nick of time! Captain Lord Arthur Hill will be in reserve. Don't be shy, Hill! Come in! You know Gordon likes to have you near him: it's the only time he looks thin."