as supper was announced, at the break between the two divisions of the
music.

"Almost a pity to stop the dances," said Mark, as he offered his arm to
Miss Deane. And Dick saw that the lady darted a deprecating look at
Lacey, who offered his arm to the aunt, and joined in the long line of
dancers trooping out to the great marquee, now opened for the first time
by the drawing back of the heavy drapery which had hidden the interior
from the guests.

For the officers had determined that there should be no scrambled-for,
stand-up supper, but a comfortably-arranged meal, with seats for every
guest; while now a hurried movement was made by the band to a fresh
orchestra inside the marquee, which was reached by a ladder from the
back, and a selection of operatic airs was commenced at once to the
rattle of knife, fork, and plate, and jingle of glass.

The marquee was soon crowded; and from high up where he stood Dick had a
good view of the prettiest part of the scene; while, as he played, his
eyes wandered round and round in search of Mark, to find, after a time,
that he had overlooked him: for he was seated with Miss Deane, almost
below and to the right, while Lacey was with the aunt on the other side
of the table--one of the four which reached from end to end.

Once he had made out where they were, Dick could hardly keep his eyes
off his cousin, who was evidently, to the lady's annoyance, making
himself far too attentive; while, more than once, it was plain to see
from Lacey's lowering countenance that a storm was brewing.

But Lacey was a steward for the occasion, and more than once servants
came up to him for orders and instructions; while Jerry, who was busily
seeing to the wants of those at that end of the table, was also going
about, apparently with messages to the colonel and major.

"What an abominable smell of gas!" said Wilkins, after a piece or two
had been played.

"Yes, sir; I noticed it as we came up here first."

"Humph! the pipes not properly joined, I suppose," said Wilkins. "Play
the next."

Then a selection from Sullivan's operas was played, but half-drowned by
the noise from the tables.

"This gas is suffocating up here," said the bandmaster, calling
attention to it again.

"Yes, sir; I wonder they don't grumble down below."

"Humph! all up here, and along the upper part of the tent," grumbled the
bandmaster; and then his attention was taken off by the appearance of
Jerry through the curtai