Part 22 (1/2)
”But not the Hunt Cup,” she replied with a laugh.
”No; but he wasn't far out,” said Alan. ”Then there's Harry Morby; he's your devoted slave.”
”Is he? There's not much of the slave about him,” she replied, smiling. ”I suppose he's sorry you are not in your old regiment.”
”He says so; I really believe he is.”
”The Sherwoods are a famous cavalry regiment?” she asked.
”They bear an honored name, they have seen some service. I am lucky to get in there.”
”You were always a good soldier.”
”Glad you think so. There'll be no feather-bed soldiering this time.”
”You seem positive there will be war?”
”Yes; absolutely certain.”
”It will be a terrible thing.”
”Awful; the slaughter will be great.”
”And hundreds of thousands will lose their lives?”
”Yes; no doubt about that.”
”I shall pray for your safety then, Alan.”
”Don't get solemn about it--I'm not gone yet. You'll do as I ask?
Just run over to Trent Park sometimes and let me know how things are going on. Sam Kerridge said I must tell you he'd always be very pleased to show you over the stud--good fellow, Sam. What else do you think he said?”
”I really can't guess.”
”And I daren't tell you.”
”Why not?”
”It's personal. Sam has a habit of blurting out what he thinks.”
”Tell me what he said.”
”He asked me a question when I spoke about your visiting the stud in my probable absence,” said Alan.
”What was it?”
”'When's the wedding?'” he said.