I may be permitted to say so, Miss. I've made it my duty to
inspect all the troops that have been quartered hereabouts during
the last eight months. And Captain Connor is one of the few that
really know their business. I shouldn't at all mind to serve under
him. I can't say more, Miss. I wish you happiness."

She flushed and laughed and looked adorable, and held out her
hand, which he enclosed in his great left fist.

"And you'll come to my wedding, Sergeant?"

"I will, Miss," said he. "With considerable pleasure."





CHAPTER III


When I want to shew how independent I am of everybody, I drive
abroad in my donkey carriage. I am rather proud of my donkey, a
lithe-limbed pathetically eager little beast, deep bay with white
tips to his ears. Marigold bought him for me last spring, from
some gipsies, when his predecessor, Dan, who had served me
faithfully for some years, struck work and insisted on an old-age
pension. He is called Hosea, a name bestowed on him, by way of
clerical joke, and I am sure with a profane reminiscence of
Jorrocks, by the Vicar, because he "came after Daniel." At first I
thought it rather silly; but when I tried to pull him up I found