"I do, my dear," said I. "But there's only one thing that troubles
me. Marriage is a lifelong business. Captain Connor may win
through to a green old age. I hope to God the gallant fellow will.
Your present motives are beautiful and heroic. But do you care for
him sufficiently to pass a lifetime with him--after the war--an
ordinary, commonplace lifetime?"

With the same clear gaze full on me she said:--

"Didn't I tell you that I had given him my love?"

"You did."

"Then," she retorted with a smile, "my dear Major Didymus, what
more do you want?"

"Nothing, my dear Betty."

I kissed her. She threw her arms round my neck and kissed me
again. Sergeant Marigold entered on the sentimental scene and
preserved a face of wood. Betty rose to her feet slowly and
serenely and smiled at Marigold.

"Miss Fairfax's car," he announced.

"Marigold," said I, "Miss Fairfax is going to be married the day
after to-morrow to Captain Connor of the--"

"I know, sir," interrupted my one-eyed ramrod. "I'm very glad, if