etting himself sink down
into a lounge.

"I do, sir--bitterly," replied Dick.

"If I were not as patient as a lamb, I should have kicked him out of the
place a year ago. Of course, it didn't matter before you, but it might
have been the colonel or the major; and, though there is a way out
through my bedroom, that blundering ass must bring my boots and clothes
through my sitting-room!"

Dick felt as if he had been respited after condemnation, and began to
breathe freely.

"You heard him run his head against the door, of course?"

"Yes, sir."

"But it wouldn't break; everything else does. He'll ruin me before he
has done.--I have sent for you, Smithson," said the lieutenant, "because
I want you to give me some lessons on the flute."

"Oh, with pleasure, sir," began Dick. "I--I beg your pardon, sir. Of
course, if you wish it."

"I hope it will be with pleasure, Smithson," said the lieutenant,
smiling; "but I'm afraid it will not be; for, between ourselves, I am
very dull over music."

"I used to think I was, sir," said Dick; "but I worked hard till I could
play a bit."

"A bit!" said the lieutenant, smiling. "Ah, well, I won't flatter you.
I should like you to come often and play with me--duets and pieces. The
fact is, Smithson, I want to perform something in--in--in public one
evening--a duet. I have been thinking that I might play the first part
and you the second. What do you think?"

"I think the same as you do, sir," said Dick. "When would you like to
begin?"

"Well, the fact is, Smithson, I am rather pressed for time."

"I will come in at any hour you appoint, sir--that is, if there is no
band practice."

"Oh, the colonel will speak to Wilkins about that, Smithson; but you do
not understand me. I have plenty of time, but I am pressed--anxious to
play a duet or two as soon as possible."

"I understand, sir," said Dick, scanning the handsome face and athletic
mould of the young officer, as the feeling grew upon him that the former
was what some people would call rather mild; "but I am no teacher, would
you like Mr Wilkins to give you some lessons?"

"No, Smithson," said the lieutenant; "that I really should not. I want
you, and I want you to treat all this as confidential."

"But it is sure to be known, sir."

"That you are giving me lessons, yes; but not the style of lesson. When
could you begin?"

Dick glanced at the flute.

"Would you like a lesson now, sir?"

"Yes, exactly;