he
beauty of the note than the trumpet-major himself was.

'In one minute,' he said tremulously. 'Talking of music--I fear you
don't think the rank of a trumpet-major much to compare with your own?'

'I do. I think a trumpet-major a very respectable man.'

'I am glad to hear you say that. It is given out by the King's command
that trumpet-majors are to be considered respectable.'

'Indeed! Then I am, by chance, more loyal than I thought for.'

'I get a good deal a year extra to the trumpeters, because of my
position.'

'That's very nice.'

'And I am not supposed ever to drink with the trumpeters who serve
beneath me.'

'Naturally.'

'And, by the orders of the War Office, I am to exert over them (that's
the government word) exert over them full authority; and if any one
behaves towards me with the least impropriety, or neglects my orders, he
is to be confined and reported.'

'It is really a dignified post,' she said, with, however, a reserve of
enthusiasm which was not altogether encouraging.

'And of course some day I shall,' stammered the dragoon--'shall be in
rather a better position than I am at present.'

'I am glad to hear it, Mr. Loveday.'

'And in short, Mistress Anne,' continued John Loveday bravely and
desperately, 'may I pay court to you in the hope that--no, no, don't go
away!--you haven't heard yet--that you may make me the happiest of men;
not yet, but when peace is proclaimed and all is smooth and easy again? I
can't put it any better, though there's more to be explained.'

'This is most awkward,' said Anne, evidently with pain. 'I cannot
possibly agree; believe me, Mr. Loveday, I cannot.'

'But there's more than this. You would be surprised to see what snug
rooms the married trumpet- and sergeant-majors have in quarters.'

'Barracks are not all; consider camp and war.'

'That brings me to my strong point!' exclaimed the soldier hopefully. 'My
father is better off than most non-commissioned officers' fathers; and
there's always a home for you at his house in any emergency. I can tell
you privately that he has enough to keep us both, and if you wouldn't
hear of barracks, well, peace once established, I'd live at home as a
miller and farmer--next door to your own mother.'

'My mother would be sure to object,' expostulated Anne.

'No; she leaves it all to you.'

'What! you have asked her?' said Anne, with surprise.

'Yes. I thought it would not be honourable to act otherwis