He nodded his head. But he had eyes only for her.
“I’m glad I got that ring,” he whispered, “because you put it on my finger. And I’ll never take it off till I die.”
“Not even when you wash?” she asked, laughing.
“I won’t wash that finger,” he said.
The major put his hand on his shoulder.
“Here, I’ve got a secret for you. Shut your eyes.” Jeremy shut them. The major’s hands were at his white waistcoat pocket. “Now don’t you look till you’re on your way home. And I’ll tell you something. You’ve shown excellent taste to-night. You couldn’t have shown better if you were a hundred.”
She bent down and kissed him.
“Good night,” she said. “Will you write and tell me about the football?”
“You bet your life,” he answered, staring at her. That was the favourite oath just then at Thompson’s.
She laughed again. Then, bending down, whispered in his ear dramatically: “If I’m ever in trouble and need you, will you come, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing?”