lled Dick with a tingling of
pleasure and disappointment, for he recalled the lieutenant's words
about the mess. Then he hurried to his place, being the last to arrive,
and found Wilkins glaring at him through his glasses.

"Late again, Smithson!" he said, harshly; and, as he spoke, the brazen
voice of the clock told him he spoke falsely; for Dick was in his place
to the moment, and joined in the rustling made by his comrades, as they
arranged their music in accordance with the programme, and then waited
patiently.

A few minutes later, the colonel and a group of officers came round to
see that all was perfect, headed by the major and one of the captains,
who had undertaken to see that the decorations were effective.

"Capital!" cried the colonel. "The band, with their scarlet and gold,
amongst the flowers and palms, give the best bit of effect I have seen.
Yes, and those colours hang well over them."

"Glad you're satisfied," said the major.

"More," said the colonel. "By the way, Wilkins, let your men keep on
their caps for the first hour--it looks more effective. When the
dancing is in full swing, you can do as you like."

"Yes, sir. What I had planned," said the bandmaster, obsequiously.

They moved on, and a quarter of an hour passed; then, according to
arrangement, the brass band of the regiment struck up outside and played
a selection, as the first carriages began to arrive, but only one set
for fear of their strains interfering with those in the ball-room.

The first half-hour was devoted to a kind of reception, by which time
the guests had grown thick enough to well fill the room, and then,
punctual to the moment--dancing at nine--the band struck up, and the
floor was covered with couples, the uniforms of the military and naval
officers blending with the ladies' charming toilettes and flowers, and
the few orthodox black dress-coats adding to, rather than detracting
from, the general effect.

Dick's position at one end in the front gave him plenty of opportunity
for seeing the dancers, and the simple music caused but little necessity
for watching his notes, so that he was able to gaze to his heart's
content at the kaleidoscopic throng, and before long had watched with
some interest the tall figure of Lieutenant Lacey, wondering which of
the ladies he danced with was the one they had serenaded that night.

He had settled upon one after the other, and credited the lieutenant
with excellent taste; t