Away we went, and in twenty minutes Adela and I were alone in the lovely conservatory overlooking a beautiful country-side. And didn’t Adela look well! She had such a nice short skirt which showed her dainty ankles. But it was in her face and eyes I found rest and consolation.
Adela was clean.
‘Have a smoke, John. They’re State Express,’ she said, pushing the box over. ‘And here’s a cup of white coffee.’ This tempting beverage was served in a charming cup. As she passed it I touched her hand—accidentally, of course. I was thrilled. ‘Now, Johnnie,’ she said very quietly, ‘let’s have this thing out. I hate being bad friends, and I don’t like to hear my pals being discussed by cooks and kitchen-maids.’
‘You’re jealous,’ I said maliciously.
‘I’m jealous for your uniform, not for you. My brother has the D.S.O., and he wouldn’t make an ass of himself—at least, not in a local hotel. You haven’t learnt wisdom, old boy.’
‘Well, you’re to blame. Why did you toddle off with those Australians?’
‘What a babe you are! You and Beefy must have a weak kink. Can’t we see other people? And don’t you think you’re just a little presumptuous?’
‘Perhaps. But I didn’t break any commandments, I can assure you.’
‘You don’t need to break a commandment to be a fool. People don’t judge by the great things. They sum you up from little things. When they find cadets hobnobbing with barmaids and fooling around with chorus-girls, they think and talk a lot.’