“Then you mean … ?”
“It’s off!” said Freddie.
For a moment Uncle Chris stood motionless. Then, with a sudden jerk, he seemed to stiffen his backbone. His face was bleak, but he pulled at his mustache jauntily.
“Morituri te salutant!” he said. “Good-bye, Freddie, my boy.”
He turned away, gallant and upright, the old soldier.
“Where are you going?” asked Freddie.
“Over the top!” said Uncle Chris.
“What do you mean?”
“I am going,” said Uncle Chris steadily, “to find Mrs Peagrim!”
“Good God!” cried Freddie. He followed him, protesting weakly, but the other gave no sign that he had heard. Freddie saw him disappear into the stage-box, and, turning, found Jill at his elbow.