"No, my lady, no—except when he don't take his rations reg'lar—food and drink, d'ye see."
"Ah, doth his appetite languish of late?"
"Never was better, mam! He do seem to grow younger and brisker every day."
"Indeed, 'tis pity he's so wild!"
"Wild, mam? The Major——?"
"So gay, so bold and audacious." The Sergeant could only stare. "His wife will lead a sorry life I fear, poor soul!"
The Sergeant fell back a step opening eyes and mouth together:
"Zooks!" he muttered, "axing your ladyship's pardon but—does your ladyship mean—Zounds! Axing your pardon again, my lady, but—wife! Does your ladyship mean to say——? Is't true, madam?"
"So 'tis said!" nodded her unblushing ladyship.
"But who, my lady, and—when?"