u get the other fellows to help you. Keep it all
well going."

"I will, sir."

"I've told Brigley to see that you chaps have plenty of supper and what
you want to drink. I say, Smithson--"

"Yes, sir. Thank you for your thought of us."

"Thought of you; why, of course, thought of you. You fellows have to
keep the thing going. But I say--"

"Yes, sir."

"Do I--er--do I look all right?"

The lieutenant rose, and took a turn up and down the room.

"Splendid, sir!"

"No, no; don't humbug, Smithson. Tell me the truth. It's a new
uniform; does it fit all right?"

"I tell you it's splendid, sir! You couldn't look better. There will
be no one in the room who can touch you."

"Think not?" said Lacey, dubiously.

"I'm sure of it, sir."

"Well, I'm glad you think so, Smithson. The colonel was here just now
smoking one of those strong cigars of his. Do I smell of it?"

"I can smell scent, sir--nothing else."

"That's right. Well, he said something like you did; but I always get
so nervous, and feel as if he was chaffing me. You see, I want to look
well to-night. You know why, Smithson."

"Yes, sir; I can guess."

"Of course. She's coming."

"I guessed that, too, sir."

"I don't care much how I look, for dressing yourself up takes a lot of
trouble, let alone the expense. I say, you do mean it, Smithson?"

"You may always believe me, sir," said Dick, quietly.

"Of course--I know that. I say, Smithson: I wish you were in the mess
instead of the band."

Dick laughed feebly.

"Perhaps I'm best where I am, sir. But I must go now, and get in my
place. It's close upon the time."

"By George, yes! I say, want a pair of white kids, Smithson? You'll
find some in that box."

"Thanks; no, sir. I hope you'll have a pleasant evening."

"Thank you, Smithson. Keep them up to it with the waltzes."

Dick gave a hasty promise, and then hurried down and into the
flower-decked vestibule, which was entered by a covered passage
festooned with lamps. Then he crossed the temporary ball-room, with its
well-waxed floor, took a glance at the great marquee laid out for
supper, at another arranged for tea, coffee, and ices, with various cups
for the gentlemen, and beyond that at another prepared for those who
chose to smoke, the whole being lit up by a blaze of light, and draped
here and there with military and naval flags and cleverly-designed
trophies of arms.

It was but a passing glance, which fi