"What, the Duchess of Richmond's? Now, Audley. do I move in those exalted circles? Of course I'm not! However, several of ours are, so the honour of the regiment will be upheld. They tell me there's going to be a war. A real guerra al cuchillo!"
"Where do you get your information?" retorted the Colonel.
"Ah, we hear things, you know! Come along, out with it! What's the latest from the frontier?"
"Nada, nada, nada!" said the Colonel.
"Yes, you look as though there were nothing. All alike, you staff officers: close as oysters! My people have been singing Ahe Marmont all the afternoon."
"There's been no news sent off later than nine this morning. Are your pack-saddles ready?"
Kincaid cocked an eyebrow. "More or less. They won't be wanted before tomorrow, at all events, will they."
"I don't know, but I'll tell you this, Johnny: if you've any preparations to make, I wouldn't, if I were you, delay so long. Goodbye!"
Kincaid gave a low whistle. "That's the way it is, is it? Thank you, I'll see to it!"
Colonel Audley waved to him and strode on. When he reached Worth's house he found that both Worth and Judith were in their rooms, dressing for the ball. He ran up the stairs to his own apartment, and began to strip off his clothes. He was standing before the mirror in his shirt and gleaming white net pantaloons, brushing his hair, when Worth presently walked in.