“Mr M’Whirter!”
“Nay, I was merely jesting. Pray, Miss Bogle, what are your favourite colours?”
“Peach-blossom and scarlet; but why do you ask?”
“Do not press me for an explanation—it will come early enough. And now, Edith, I must bid you adieu.”
“So soon? Cannot you spare a single hour from your military duties? Bless me, how pale you are looking! Are you sure you are quite well?”
“Quite—that is to say a little shaken in the nerves or so. This continued exertion”—
“Do you mean at mess? Mr Roper told me sad stories about your proceedings two nights ago.”
“Oh, pooh—nonsense! You will certainly then appear at the races?”
“You may depend upon me.”