"Not necessarily, if said in public," was his answer. "Still, I may not specially deserve it. The army is full of brave men."
"Your name would not have been mentioned unless there had been good reason."
"Well, even granting that, what good can come of it, when the maid I adore cares not a jot or tittle?"
"Much good," was her answer, but she did not return his look. "A larger life and promotion would be sure—the very things I would want if I were a man."
"Do you wish you were?"
"What is the use?"
"Your words should stimulate one, anyway, but can you say nothing more, Miss Maud? We leave so soon—to-morrow—a soldier's life is in his hand. Give him something to hope for and fight for as well."
"Am I not trying?" she replied, with one of those bright flashes which did such havoc with the men. "Higher rank and future glory!"
"Fudge!" he exclaimed, impatiently. "I could buy a colonelcy if I wanted it, without drawing a sword or leading a man to battle, if that is all."
"The Captain Morris, Colonel Battersby was talking about, could not," said Maud contracting her eyebrows and looking grave again. "He was a genuine man, and every inch a soldier."