He says eagerly, 'Tell me what to do, Ellen.'
'Don't say anything about Billy boy, John.'
'No, no, let's pretend.'
'And I wouldn't talk about the garden, John; just in case he is a little touchy about that.'
The Colonel is beginning to fancy himself as a tactician. 'Not a word!'
She knows what is the way to put him on his mettle. 'You see, I'm sure I would make a mess of it, so I'm trusting to you, John.'
He is very pleased, 'Leave it all to me, Ellen. I'll be frightfully sly. You just watch me.'
She goes to the window and calls to the married couple. Captain Dering, in khaki, is a fine soldierly figure. Barbara, in her Red Gross uniform, is quiet and resourceful. An artful old boy greets them. 'Congratulations, Barbara. No, no, none of your handshaking; you don't get past an old soldier in that way. Excuse me, young man.' He kisses Barbara and looks at his wife to make sure that she is admiring him, 'And to you, Captain Dering—you have won a prize.'
A gallant gentleman answers, 'I know it; I'll try to show I know it.'
The Colonel is perturbed. 'I haven't given Barbara a wedding present, Ellen, I should like——'