e stuff ere now--aye and so has Jack. Tea hath its
virtues, sir, first 'tis soon over--a dish or so may be swallowed
readily enough when cool by a determined effort----"

"Though," murmured the Viscount, "though 'tis better thrown out o' the
window, 'twould seem, sir."

Colonel Cleeve rolled his fierce eyes again, sprinkled himself with
snuff and finally laughed:

"Agad, Viscount, ya' ha' me there true enough. Look'ee now, one dish I
can manage creditably enough, two at a pinch with my lady's eye on me,
but three and with Belinda's eye off me--damme, no! So--out o' the
window it went, aha! But how came ya' to spy me do't--eh?"

"I came to bring you news, sir, but seeing you so--ah--particularly
engaged I let it wait."

"What news, lad--ha?"

"I am become a soldier, sir. I have secured a commission in His
Majesty's Third Regiment of Foot."

"Ha, the old regiment--dooce take me, Viscount, but I rejoice to hear
it!" exclaimed the Colonel and leapt to his feet with hand
outstretched. "The 'Third' is the one and only--eh, Jack? And hath
the noblest and highest traditions, yet--high and noble though they be,
I'm bold to say you'll do 'em credit and be worthy of 'em, Viscount
Tom--eh, man Jack?"

"Nay sir," answered the Viscount, clasping the proffered hand, "if I
can but emulate in some small way nunky's and your achievements I shall
be proud indeed."

"Whose company are ya' 'tached to--and when?"

"Ogilvie's sir--a fortnight hence."

"Begad, but Ogilvie's hath been cast for foreign service."

"'Tis why I chose it, sir."

"Aha!" exclaimed the Colonel, "Oho! Another case o' the heart, I
judge. There was young Denholm talking but yesterday about a red coat,
death and glory, or bleaching his dead bones on some foreign shore."
The Viscount smiled serenely:

"I do confess love hath something to do with it, sir," said he, "though
not altogether. I've had the project in mind for some time."

"Love--God bless it!" exclaimed the Colonel, "love hath made a many
fine soldiers ere now, sir, and begad there's nought can cure a
heartache like a brisk campaign. Come, a toast--and bumpers! Here's
health and long life, honour and fortune to Ensign Viscount Merivale!"
So my Lord Cleeve and the Major rose and drank the toast with hearty
goodwill while the Viscount, his smooth cheek a little rosier than
usual, bowed his acknowledgments.

"And now," quoth the Colonel, setting down his empty glass, "the
bottle's o