Page:Lieutenant and Others (1915) by Sapper.djvu/180

 to deaden the blow. But I’ll tell her I’ve seen his grave, and that it’s all right. Just a pawn in the game. Only he was her king.

“Will you take over his horse, sir? Your chestnut is very lame in front.”

Teddy, old man, I’ve hunted with you: I’ve shot with you: I’ve played cricket with you: I’ve made love with you. You were one of Nature’s sportsmen: one of the salt of the earth. May the earth lie lightly on you, old pal. There’s a motor-cyclist coming with orders now: the same fellow with spectacles who has been to us for the last fortnight. There’s a Taube overhead, and the infantry are loosing off at it. It’s out of range, just the same as usual. Everything is just the same, Teddy, except that someone’s heart has got to be broken, and that I—well, I’ve taken over your horse.