"Do you think so, sir?"
Hector's voice was very unemotional.
"Yes, sir, I do! Why, good God, Sergeant-Major"—Hector knew that the 'Sergeant-Major' was slightingly meant and for a moment a strange light glowed in his eyes—"my daughter associates with men of position—men—men—hang it all, gentlemen!"
Again another slap in the face, vicious, stinging!
"Do I take it, sir," again Hector let the insult pass, fighting his battle for Frances with all the strength he had, "that the fact that I'm in the ranks is the big objection?"
The Major remained gloweringly silent.
"Is it?"
"M-m-perhaps," the old man snapped.
"And—and——" try as he would, Hector could not prevent his voice trembling as he put the fateful question, "will it stand against me always—Commission or no Commission?"
"Certainly," the Major replied firmly.