Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/47

 —No! For goodness sake, old man, don't do that! You'll see me through, wont't you? I've been mugging up that beastly drill, and can't remember a line of it.

(overhauling G.'s uniform).—Go and tub. Don't bother me. I'll give you ten minutes to dress in.

Interval, filled by the noise as of a healthy grampus splashing in the bath-room.

(emerging from dressing-room). What time is it?

—Nearly eleven.

—Five hours more. O Lord!

(aside).—'First sign of funk, that. 'Wonder if it's going to spread. (Aloud.) Come along to breakfast.

—I can't eat anything. I don't wan't any breakfast.

(aside).—So early! (Aloud.) Captain Gadsby, I order you to eat breakfast, and a dashed good breakfast, too. None of your bridal airs and graces with me!

Leads G. downstairs, and stands over him while he eats two chops.

(who has looked at his watch thrice in the last five minutes).—What time is it?

—Time to come for a walk. Light up.

—I haven't smoked for ten days, and I won't now. (Takes cheroot which M. has cut for him, and blows smoke through his nose luxuriously.} We aren't going down the Mall, are we?

(aside).—They're all alike in these stages. (Aloud.) No, my Vestal. We're going along the quietest road we can find.

—Any chance of seeing Her?

—Innocent! No! Come along, and, if you want me for the final obsequies, don't cut my eye out with your stick.

(spinning round).—I say, isn't She the dearest creature that ever walked? What's the time? What comes after "wilt thou take this woman?"