‘Indeed! He is a very bright boy. I am delighted to meet you. Will you ladies kindly come into the anteroom?’ The old sport took them into the mess and gave them afternoon tea. Mother and Aunt Jane enjoyed this immensely.
‘I hope you see my boy wears flannel next his skin. He’s rather delicate, you know,’ ventured the old lady.
‘Oh yes. The boys have a platoon commander who acts as a sort of mother. He spanks them when they are naughty, and tucks them up at night.’
‘Does John ever give you trouble?’
‘Not a bit! He has never been before me. Your boy is a great credit to you. I’m awfully proud of him. Do have some more tea.’
Wasn’t the old ‘com.’ playing the game?
Meantime a dozen officers were scouring the school for me. They discovered me in the gym., having a bayonet-fight with Beefy.
‘Come along, Brown. Look smart! Your mother and a friend are here.’
‘Oh, thanks, sir.’
I was across at the mess door in a jiffy. As the tea-party was over, the ‘com.’ and the ladies came out.