Part 30 (1/2)

Norah came back to them through the trees.

”It's marching orders, isn't it?”

”Yes, it's marching orders, old kiddie,” Jim answered. They looked at each other steadily: and then Norah's eyes met Wally's.

”When?” she asked.

”To-morrow morning.”

”Well----” said Norah; and drew a long breath. ”And I haven't your last week's socks darned! That comes of having too many responsibilities. Any b.u.t.tons to be sewn on for either of you?”

”No, thanks,” they told her, greatly relieved. She tucked a hand into an arm of each boy, and they went towards the house. David Linton came out hurriedly to meet them.

”Allenby says----” he began. He did not need to go further.

”We were trotting in to tell you,” said Jim.

”We'll be just in time to give the Boche a cheery Christmas,” said Wally. ”Norah, are you going to send us a Christmas hamper? With a pudding?”

”Rather!” Norah answered. ”And I'll put a lucky pig, and a b.u.t.ton, and a threepenny-bit in it, so you'd better eat it with care, or you may damage your teeth. Miss de Lisle and I are going to plan great parcels for you; she's going to teach me to cook all sorts of things.”

”After which you'll try them on the dogs--meaning us,” Jim said, laughing. ”Well, if we don't go into hospital after them, we'll let you know.”

They came into the house, where already the news of the boys' going had spread, and the ”Once-Tired's,” as Wally called their guests, were waiting to wish them luck. Then everybody faded away un.o.btrusively, and left them to themselves. They went into the morning-room, and Norah darned socks vigorously while the boys kept up a running fire of cheery talk. Whatever was to come they would meet it with their heads up--all four.

They made dinner a revel--every one dressed in their best, and ”playing-up” to their utmost, while Miss de Lisle--the only person in the house who had wept--had sent up a dinner which really left her very little extra chance of celebrating Peace, when that most blessed day should come. Over dessert, Colonel West rose unexpectedly, and made a little speech, proposing the health of the boys, who sat, for the first time, with utterly miserable faces, restraining an inclination to get under the table.

”I am sure,” said the Colonel, ”that we all wish the--ah--greatest of luck to our host's sons--ah, that is, to his son and to--ah--his--ah----”

”Enc.u.mbrance,” said Wally firmly.

”Quite,” said the Colonel, without listening. ”We know they will--ah--make things hot for the Boche--ah--whenever they get a chance. I--we--hope they will get plenty of chances: and--ah--that we will see them--ah--back, with decorations and promotion. We will miss them--ah--very much. Speaking--ah--personally, I came here fit for nothing, and have--ah--laughed so much that I--ah--could almost believe myself a subaltern!”

The Tired People applauded energetically, and Mrs. West said ”Quite--quite!” But there was something like tears in her eyes as she said it.

The Hunts arrived after dinner, and they all woke the house with ringing choruses--echoed by Allenby in his pantry, as he polished the silver; and Garrett sang a song which was not encored because something in his silver tenor made a lump come into Norah's throat; and there was no room for that, to-night, of all nights. Jack Blake sang them a stockrider's song, with a chorus in which all the Australians joined; and d.i.c.k Harrison recited ”The Geebung Polo Club,”

without any elocutionary tricks, and brought down the house. Jim had slipped out to speak to Allenby: and presently, going out, they found the hall cleared, and the floor waxed for dancing. They danced to gramophone music, manipulated by Mr. Linton: and Norah and Mrs. Hunt had to divide each dance into three, except those with Jim and Wally, which they refused to part.i.tion, regardless of disconsolate protests from the other warriors. It was eleven o'clock when Allenby announced stolidly, ”Supper is served, sir!”

”Supper?” said Mr. Linton. ”How's this, Norah?”

”_I_ don't know,” said his daughter. ”Ask Miss de Lisle!”

They filed in, to find a table laden and glittering; in the centre a huge cake, bearing the greeting, ”Good Luck!” with a silken Union Jack waving proudly. Norah whispered to her father, and then ran away.

She returned, presently, dragging the half-unwilling cook-lady.

”It's against _all_ my rules!” protested the captive.