'
The Colonel is beginning to fancy himself as a tactician. 'Not a word!'
She knows what is the way to put him on his mettle. 'You see, I'm sure
I would make a mess of it, so I'm trusting to you, John.'
He is very pleased, 'Leave it all to me, Ellen. I'll be frightfully sly.
You just watch me.'
She goes to the window and calls to the married couple. Captain Dering,
in khaki, is a fine soldierly figure. Barbara, in her Red Gross uniform,
is quiet and resourceful. An artful old boy greets them.
'Congratulations, Barbara. No, no, none of your handshaking; you don't
get past an old soldier in that way. Excuse me, young man.' He kisses
Barbara and looks at his wife to make sure that she is admiring him,
'And to you, Captain Dering--you have won a prize.'
A gallant gentleman answers, 'I know it; I'll try to show I know it.'
The Colonel is perturbed. 'I haven't given Barbara a wedding present,
Ellen, I should like----'
Barbara breaks in, 'Indeed you have, dear, and a lovely one. You haven't
forgotten?'
Granny signs to the Colonel and he immediately says, with remarkable
cunning, 'Oh--that! I was just quizzing you, Barbara.
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