r direct superiors were finding fault with
your husband. It began in the stables, and I heard some talk about
it."

"Never mind all that, Colonel, my husband _must_ be promoted to be
major. I tell you plainly, if you drop him I shall--"

"Have no fears, my most gracious lady. I have given him a very
brilliant report, though he doesn't deserve it, as you know. But I
shall do my best."

"And you owe me your best, Colonel, as you very well know, for without
me you would be to-day--"

Captain Koenig came up.

"Will the Herr Colonel not accompany us next week on a wine-testing
trip up the Moselle? Agricultural Counsellor von Konradi will make one
of the party. Some exquisite growths are to be sold."

"Certainly, my dear Koenig. You know that I always join in such
expeditions. And with you in particular I like to go, for your dinner
has shown me once more that you own a faultless 'wine tongue.'"

"Very flattering, Colonel. But I see you are still cigarless;
everything is laid out in my room."

The colonel stepped into the next room. Frau Kahle was flirting with
Lieutenant Pommer in one corner, while several young men were doing
that with the pretty hostess in the other corner. Just then First
Lieutenant Leimann entered from the dining-room, and behind him his
spouse, making a wry face. Her mien became sunny, however, when First
Lieutenant Borgert stepped up to her and inquired with solicitude as
to the cause of grief.

"Oh! The usual thing," she snapped. "My husband has scolded me. You
know his ungentlemanly ways. Always rude and offensive."

"What was the trouble this time?"

"Merely the fact that I had excused my lateness at table by pleading
unfinished letters, while he had urged a headache. I am tired of his
eternal fault-finding."

"That is valid reason for a divorce, my bewitching lady," smiled
Borgert. "Look for another husband if you are tired of the present
one."

She peered into his face inquiringly. "You don't imagine how serious I
am."

"Ah, if that's the case, my dear lady, there is no time like the
present for planning a change. How, for instance, would I do for a
substitute? Now, honor bright?" and he playfully fondled her plump
little hand.

She took this just as smilingly. "Before I answer," she said,
coquettishly lowering her eyelids, "I must know what you have to offer
me."

"Let us sit down then and discuss this most alluring topic in its
various bearings," laughingly remarked he; a