“That’s the best thing about being a major,” spoke up Doggie. “They have heaps of suits. Poor Tommy has but one suit to his name.”
Then the Dean and his wife entered, and they went in to dinner. It was for Doggie the most pleasant of meals. He had the superbly healthy man’s whole-hearted appreciation for unaccustomed good food. There were other and finer pleasures—the table with its exquisite [v]napery and china and glass and silver and flowers. There was the delightful atmosphere of peace and gentle living. And there was Oliver—a new Oliver.
Most of all, Doggie appreciated Oliver’s comrade-like attitude. It was a recognition of him as a soldier. He had “made good” in the eyes of one of the finest soldiers in the British army, and what else mattered? To Doggie the supreme joy of that pleasurable evening was the knowledge that he had done well in the eyes of Oliver. The latter wore on his tunic the white, mauve, and white ribbon of the Military Cross. Honor where honor was due. But he—Doggie—had been wounded, and Oliver frankly put them both on the same plane of achievement, thus wiping away with generous hand all the hated memories of the past.
When the ladies left the room the Dean went with them, and the cousins were left alone.
“And now,” said Oliver, “don’t you think you’re a bit of a fool, Doggie?”
“I know it,” Doggie returned cheerfully. “The army has drummed that into me at any rate.”
“I mean in staying in the ranks,” Oliver went on. “Why don’t you apply for the Cadet Corps and get a commission again?”
Doggie’s brow grew dark. “I will tell you,” he replied. “The only real happiness I’ve had in my life has been as a Tommy. I’m not talking foolishness. The only real friends I’ve ever made in my life are Tommies. I’ve a real life as a Tommy, and I’m satisfied. When I came to my senses after being thrown out for incompetence and I enlisted, I made a vow that I would stick it out as a Tommy without anybody’s sympathy, least of all that of the people here. And as a Tommy I am a real soldier and do my part.”
Oliver smiled. “I’m glad you told me, old man. I appreciate it very much. I’ve been through the ranks myself and know what it is—the bad and the good. Many a man has found his soul that way—”
“Heavens!” cried Doggie, starting to his feet. “Do you say that, too?”