“Perhaps because he—is a man, Herminia. Perhaps because he is the man to mould and master you. Perhaps because of his wistful, wondering, woman’s eyes. Perhaps because you—wished me to—ha! Why must ye blush, child, pink as a peony, I vow?”
CHAPTER XIX
TELLS HOW SIR JOHN WENT “BEAR-BAITING”
From St. James’s Square Sir John directed his chair to an address in Mount Street, and was so fortunate as to meet Captain Armitage stepping forth to take the air; hereupon they flourished their hats at each other, bowed, and thereafter stood at gaze.
“Armitage,” quoth Sir John, “time worketh change and five years is a long time!”
“Dering,” answered the Captain, with his pleasant smile, “five years shall be as many hours—minutes, if ye’ll have it so!”
“Tommy!” exclaimed Sir John, and held out his hand.
“Jack!” exclaimed the Captain, and shook it heartily. “’S life!” cried he. “’S death! Egad!... ’od rat me but this is infinite well, upon my soul it is! Are ye home for good?”
“I hope so, Tom.” Then, having paid his chairmen, Sir John slipped a hand within the Captain’s arm and they walked on together.
“Tom,” said he, gently interrupting his companion’s joyous reminiscences of their schoolboy escapades and later follies—“Tommy, art minded for a little gentle sport?”