"Ain't 'e a knockout?" he cried. "Might be a dook a-orderin' champagne as if it was lemonade, or a 'aporth an' a pen'orth."
"But ought I to drink it, Uncle Joe?" questioned Millie doubtfully, looking at the bubbles rising through the amber liquid.
"If you wants to be temperance you didn't ought to——"
"I don't, Uncle Joe," interrupted Millie eagerly; "but father——"
"That ain't nothink to do with it," replied Bindle. "You're grown up now, Millikins, an' you got to decide things for yourself."
And Millie Hearty drank champagne for the first time.
When coffee arrived, Charlie Dixon, who had been singularly quiet during the meal, exploded his mine. It came about as the result of Bindle's enquiry as to how long his leave would last.
"Ten days," he replied, "and—and I want——" He paused hesitatingly.
"Out with it, young feller," demanded Bindle. "Wot is it that you wants?"
"I want Millie to marry me before I go back." The words came out with a rush.