“‘Resolved—
“‘That the class hereby desires, both as a class and as individuals, to offer to Cadet Mallory their sincere apology for all offensive remarks addressed to him under any circumstances whatsoever.
“‘That the class hereby expresses the greatest regret for all attacks made by it upon Cadet Mallory.
“‘That the class hereby extends to Cadet Mallory its assurance of respect.
“‘And that the president of the class be requested to forward a copy of these resolutions to Cadet Mallory at once.’”
At the close of this most imposing document the young cadet folded the paper and put it away, then gazed at Mark with a what-more-do-you-want? sort of air. As for Mark, he was lying back on his pillow gazing into space and thinking.
“That’s pretty decent,” he observed, meditatively; then he raised himself up and gazed at the three quizzically.
“Tell the first class,” said he, “that I cannot make much of a speech, but that I accept their apology with the same sincerity it’s given. I thank them for their regards, and also for having released me from my fighting obligations. And now,” he added, “since this appears to be a time of mutual brotherly love, concession and reciprocity, I don’t mind taking a share myself. Tell the class that it’s very probable that when I join them again——”
Here Mark paused in order to let his important announcement have due weight.
“I’ll try to be a little less B. J. Good-afternoon.”