e, I grant; but you might do as Desmond
and I do when we are off duty; go over and take lunch at the Ryans',
or Burkes', or any of the other families where we have a standing
invitation. They are always glad to see one, and there's plenty of fun
to be had."

"That's all very well for you, O'Connor. You are a captain and a
single man, and one of their countrymen, with lots to say for
yourself; but it is a different thing with me altogether. I can't drop
in and make myself at home as you do."

"Why, you are not shy, Conway?" O'Connor said in affected horror.
"Surely such a disgrace has not fallen on his majesty's Twenty-eighth
Regiment that one of its officers is shy? Such a thing is not recorded
in its annals."

"I am afraid it will have to be recorded now," laughed Ralph. "For I
own that I am shy; if you call shy, feeling awkward and uncomfortable
with a lot of strange people, especially ladies."

"Do not let it be whispered outside," O'Connor said, "or the
reputation of the regiment is gone forever among Irish girls. Desmond,
this is a sad business. What are we to do with this man? You and I
must consult together how this thing is to be cured."

"No, no, O'Connor," Ralph said earnestly, knowing how fond O'Connor
was of practical jokes, and dreading that he and the lieutenant would
be putting him in some ridiculous position or other. "You will never
cure me if you set about it. I shall get over it in time; but it's the
sort of thing that becomes ten times worse if you attempt to cure it."

"We must think it over, my lad," O'Connor said seriously. "This is a
serious defect in your character; and as your commanding officer I
consider it my bounden duty, both for your sake and that of the
regiment, to take it into serious consideration and see what is to be
done. You may never have such a chance again of being cured as you
have here; for if a man goes away from Ireland without being cured of
shyness his case is an absolutely hopeless one. Desmond, you must turn
this matter seriously over in your mind, and I will do the same. And
now it is time for us to be starting for the dance at the Regans'. I
am sorry you can't go with us, Desmond, as you are on duty."

"I shall be very glad to take your duty, Desmond," Ralph said eagerly.
"I told you so this morning, and I thought you agreed."

"As your commanding officer," O'Connor said gravely, "I cannot permit
the exchange to be made, Mr. Conway. You have your duty to perf