"Yes, the lieutenant; I've made a picture of him. New uniform fresh
from the tailor's; I've shampooed him and brushed him, and scented him
till he smells like a bed of flowers, and he's all in a nervous flutter
as he sits there, afraid to smoke or do anything before the company
come. Can't you go up and have a look?"

"No, Jerry; I should be disposed to laugh."

"That you would. I had hard work to keep from it myself; but he isn't
to be laughed at either, for, without any gammon, he's the finest fellow
I ever saw, and a real gentleman as well."

"Yes; I like him," said Dick, quietly.

"Three pairs of white kid gloves in his pockets and three scented
handkerchiefs. He's got a buttonhole on; and I've got three more in
water, to have ready for him during the evening. I'm to be waiting for
him when he wants a fresh one. I say, Dick Smithson, there's going to
be a special lady here to-night, I know."

"Very likely, Jerry. Such a man as he is will, of course, have someone
he admires."

"Then you won't go and see him?"

Dick shook his head.

"He'd like it. He didn't say so; but he told me to be sure that you had
plenty of refreshment. I'm to look after you. He said you'd have lots
of work; so that you ought to be looked after."

"It's very kind of him," said Dick, with his eyes brightening at the
idea of his having made a friend.

"And I shan't forget to attend to his orders. I say, go over to his
quarters."

"What for? I've no excuse for going."

"Oh, yes; you have. He's on the committee. Go and ask him if he has
any orders to give about the music."

"I am not the bandmaster, Jerry; but I will go. There's just time
before going to the ball-room."

"That's right; I like pleasing anyone who behaves well to you."

There was none too much time, but Dick had only to walk into the
orchestra with his flute-case under his arm; so, hurrying away, he ran
across the barrack yard, entered the officers' quarters unquestioned,
and made his way to the first floor.

"Come in!" came, in a gruff voice, in answer to a modest tap. "That
you, Brigley?"

"No, sir; I came to see if you wished to send any message to Mr Wilkins
about the music."

"Bother Wilkins!" growled the lieutenant. "I believe he'll make a
muddle of it all. Can't you conduct, Smithson?"

"I, sir? Oh, no. I think it will go all right."

"I'm doubtful; but, look here--I want the music to be well-marked, and,
if it's going wrong, yo