standing afar off, watching the scene, whose
brilliance was heightened by an untempered April sun.

A group of officers, moving aside, revealed two scarlet rows of
Pioneers; and beyond them Paul's squadron, striking a deeper note of
blue and gold. The band was drawn up ready to start. Slanting rays
flashed cheerfully from the brass of trumpets, cornets, bassoons; from
the silver fittings of flutes; from the gold on scarlet tunics. And in
the midst of this ordered brilliance stood the gun-carriage, grey and
austere, its human burden hidden under the folds of the English flag.
Behind the gun-carriage the Boy's charger waited, with an air of
uncomplaining weariness, the boots hanging reversed over the empty
saddle.

With an aching lump in her throat Honor turned away. At that moment
the shuddering vibrations of muffled drums ushered in the "Dead March"
and each note fell on her heart like a blow.

In passing the study door she paused irresolute, battling with that
refractory heart of hers, which refused to sit quiet in its chains. It
argued now that, after all, she was his nurse; she had every right to
go in and see that all was well with him. But conscience and the
hammering of her pulses warned her that the greater right was--to
refrain; and straightening herself briskly, she went out through the
back verandah to Mrs Conolly's bungalow.

She had not been gone twenty minutes when Evelyn crept into the study,
so softly that her husband was not aware of her presence till her
fingers rested upon his hand.

He started, and took hold of them.

"That you?" he said gently. "Good-morning."

There was no life in his tone; and its apathy--so incredible a quality
in him--gave her courage.

"Theo," she whispered, kneeling down by him, "is it any good trying to
speak to you now? Will you believe that--I am ever so sorry? I have
been miserable all night; and I am not frightened any more,--see!" In
token of sincerity she caressed his empty coat-sleeve. "Will you
please--forgive me? Will you?"

"With all my heart, Ladybird," he answered quietly. "But it's no use
speaking. A thing like that can't be explained away. It is simply
wiped off the slate--you understand?" And almost before the words were
out she had kissed him.

Then she slid down into a sitting position, one arm flung lightly
across the rug that covered him.

In that instant the thunder of three successive volleys shook the
house; and heart-stirring trumpet-notes