“But you will be before the war is over.”

“I shall not; you are absurd, major.”

“Perhaps I am.”

“I don’t feel now as though I should be anything much longer.”

“Don’t give it up, my boy; you will be as good as new in a week or two.”

“I promised to write to Lilian.”

“Good! Do it, then.”

“I have no hopes in that quarter. We are only friends. I like her very well, but we don’t talk of anything but those socks.”

“I say, Somers, when you are a brigadier, and have made your fortune, you will want a coat of arms. Let me suggest one.”

“A coat of arms!” laughed Somers.