Part 5 (1/2)

CHAPTER III

Tom made his way to the Thorn and Thistle, but was informed that Polly would not be home until eleven o'clock. He therefore wandered about the town until that time, and again appeared at the public-house door.

But it was not until twelve o'clock that Polly made her appearance.

”Anything the matter, Tom?” she asked.

”Ay, I have joined the Army.”

”Thou'st noan been such a fool?”

”I have noan been a fool,” said Tom, ”I couldn't help it.”

Polly Powell looked at him rather angrily, then she said: ”If you have done it, what do you want to speak to me about it for?”

”I shall be off to-morrow,” replied Tom. ”The recruiting officer told me I must report at the Town Hall to-morrow morning at ten o'clock.”

”Where will you go?” she asked.

”I don't know,” said Tom.

”Well, what are you waiting for?”

”I thought,” said Tom, ”that is--I thought as I was going away I'd--I'd---- Look here, Polly, you are going to keep true to me while I'm away, aren't you?”

”I never thought much of soldiers,” said Polly. ”Besides----”

”Besides what?” asked Tom. ”Look here, Polly, I gave up Alice Lister for you, and if you had been at that meeting you would see as how I couldn't do anything else.”

”Do you think you might get a commission and be an officer?” asked the girl.

”I never thought about that,” said Tom.

Polly hesitated a second, then she said: ”Of course I'll be true to you, Tom. There, good night, I must go in.”

The next morning as Tom was making his way towards the Town Hall he met Alice Lister. At first he was going to pa.s.s her by without notice, but when he saw the look on her face he stopped. She came towards him with outstretched hand.

”Tom,” she said, ”I've heard about last night, and it was splendid of you. I am glad you were the first. I am told that your going up in that way led scores of others to go.”

”Have you heard that?” said Tom. ”I never thought of it.”

”I am sure you will be a good soldier, Tom. We are all proud of you, and--and we shall be thinking about you, and praying for you.”

Tom laughed uneasily. ”I thought you had forgotten all about me, Alice,” he said.

”Why should you think so?”

”I have heard there is a young parson going after you. Are you going to make a match of it, Alice?” And again he laughed.

”Good-bye, Tom, I hope you will do well.” And Alice left him with a strange fluttering in his heart.