The clatter of hoofs grew louder, slowed down, and came to a stealthy stop just opposite to that part of the wall whereon Dumps was seated. She looked up lazily, to find a pleasantly sunburned youth of twenty-two removing his cap.
"Hello, Derek!" she observed casually. "That you?"
Master Derek blushed guiltily.
"Yes," he said. "Good-afternoon. I only got back from Aldershot last night."
"Oh. Have you been away?" enquired the heartless Dumps.
"Four months," replied Derek, in tones of respectful reproach.
"And now you are home for the holidays?" remarked Miss Mablethorpe brightly.
"Long leave," Derek corrected her, in a humble voice.
"What fun it must be," continued Sylvia, "living in a tent for weeks and doing nothing."
Second Lieutenant Rayner, who had just spent four strenuous months under canvas or on manœuvres, ending with a route march in which his battalion had covered a hundred and twenty miles in four days, smiled wanly. No man is a hero to the girl with whom he has played in infancy.