"Let me see," continued the colonel, glancing over Ralph's "history sheet." "You've served a hundred and fifty-six days with the Colours. You have never been crimed. Your occupation, previous to enlisting, was banking?"
"Yes, sir," replied Ralph.
"Where were you educated?"
Setley told him, mentioning the name of a well-known West-country school. The C.O. nodded approval.
"Wonder why he wants to know that?" thought the lad.
He was not long left in doubt.
"You have been recommended for a commission, Private Setley," resumed the C.O. "I have much pleasure in stating my opinion that you are in every respect fitted to take up commissioned rank. Being recommended, of course, does not necessarily mean that you will get it, but in all probability you will. ...I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you, sir," replied Ralph.
The colonel made an annotation on the margin of the report.
"In the event of your obtaining this commission," he went on, "have you any particular choice of a regiment? The decision is entirely in the hands of the Army Council, you understand, but as far as practicable the wishes of the individual concerned is taken into consideration."