"Tell you what, old chap," he said. "You must come back with us; and, by Jove, we'll make a night of it. Finest possible thing for you after a week's moping on the sick list; and we'll just keep Mackay hanging round in case you get knocked out of shape. I'll slip into uniform myself and follow on. That suit you, Colonel?"
"Down to the ground; if Mackay has no objection."
But Mackay knew his men too well to have anything of the sort; and Desmond's eyes gleamed.
"How about uniform for me, sir?" he asked. "I could manage it after a fashion."
Colonel Buchanan smiled.
"No doubt you could! But I'll overlook it to-night. The fellows want you. Won't do to keep them waiting!"
Followed a babel of talk and laughter, in the midst of which Honor, who had moved a little apart, became aware that Desmond was at her side.
"Never mind them, Honor," he said in a low voice. "They mean it very well, and they don't realise that it's a little overwhelming for us both. I won't pile it on by saying any more on my own account. Wait till I get a chance to repay you in kind—that's all!"
His words spurred her to a sudden resolve.
"You have the chance now, if it doesn't seem like taking a mean advantage of—things."