The Queen's Scarlet Part 26

"Ah! now you're going to laugh at me because I talked about being good-looking."

"Why should I?" said d.i.c.k, honestly. "You are the best-looking fellow-- I beg pardon, sir, the best-looking officer--in the regiment."

"I am," said the lieutenant, frankly, "and the biggest and strongest, as I've often proved; but what's the good of that, Smithson, when you're the greatest duffer? The colonel and the major both like me."

"And there isn't a man in the regiment who wouldn't do anything for you, sir."

"I suppose not, Smithson; but, as I was going to say, if the colonel and the major didn't like me, I should always be in hot water, for I'm horribly stupid over the movements.--Ready?"

"Quite, sir."

"Then let's begin. There! I've forgotten it all, and I get so nervous my fingers grow quite damp. Now, then, to begin."

d.i.c.k beat a bar, raised his flute, and blew a note.

"I beg your pardon," said the lieutenant; "I was not quite ready.

Again, please."

A fresh start was made, and in his nervousness the officer was too soon.

Then a couple more starts were made, and the lieutenant laid down his flute.

"It's no good!" he cried, pitifully. "I always seem to make a fool of myself in everything I attempt."

"You only want confidence, sir," said d.i.c.k. "Try again."

The flute was taken up, and, after a good many stumbles, the duet was run through very badly.

"I think you had better play the first part, and I'll take the second, Smithson."

"But you have studied the first part, sir, and you don't know anything about the second."

"No," said the lieutenant, plaintively; "but if the second broke down, it wouldn't be of so much consequence. Look here, Smithson, you are so strong at all this sort of thing; couldn't you give me a lift with a note or two?--I shall only break down."

"You will not break down, sir," cried Smithson. "You said Friday night, didn't you?"

"Yes, Friday; but that's an unlucky day, isn't it?"

"Old women say so, sir; and I've been as unfortunate on other days. You shall do it somehow. I'll make you."

"Thank you, Smithson. But I'm afraid she will not think much of it."

"Why not, sir? The duet is sweetly pretty, and music sounds very soft and attractive in the silence of the night."

"To be sure--so it does!"

"And if the lady cares for you, she is certain to be pleased."

"Yes, Smithson; but I don't know that she does. Now let's rest for a few minutes. It's so awkward for that fellow to have upset me just before I had my music lesson. I wish I knew of a good man; I'd give anything for him."

The Friday night came, and at a time appointed d.i.c.k crossed the barrack yard, to find it soft, delicious, and summer-like, starry but dark, and with a feeling in the air which accorded well with the mission they were on.

On reaching the lieutenant's room, he found him impatiently walking up and down, smoking a cigarette--the ends of half a dozen more lying on the fire-grate ornament.

"Come--come, Smithson! you are late," cried the young officer impatiently. "It will be so vexatious to find n.o.body stirring. People do go to sleep when they are in bed."

"Generally, sir. But you said half-past ten, to be the time."

"Yes; and for you to be here by ten."

"Exactly, sir; but I thought I would get here half an hour sooner, in case you liked to try through the piece before we started."

"Eh? What time is it, then?"

"Just about to chime half-past nine, sir."

d.i.c.k had hardly uttered the words before the barrack clock chimed twice.

"Surely that's not half-past ten," cried the lieutenant excitedly, as he s.n.a.t.c.hed out his watch. "Dear me, no! I'm an hour out in my calculations. Yes; let's try over the piece."

The flutes were produced, and the duet was whispered through, as it were; and at the end d.i.c.k applauded softly.

"Yes, that's very kind of you," said Lacey; "but I don't feel satisfied.

By the way, Smithson, you must not go like that. Your red jacket will be so conspicuous."

"What can I do, sir?"

"Would you mind wearing one of my light overcoats, Smithson? It will be rather large for you, but so effectual in hiding your military character."

"I shall not mind it," said d.i.c.k, though he could not help wincing a little at the idea; and soon after, with his scarlet jacket hidden by the lieutenant's long, loose garment, which also well concealed the musical instruments, they walked together through the gates.

Fifty yards farther on, d.i.c.k felt his shoulder suddenly seized, and he was thrust through a swing-door into the gas-lit glare of a public-house bar.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

BENEATH THE LADY'S LATTICE-PANE.

d.i.c.k Smithson turned round in astonishment to gaze in the face of his companion, whose act had at once taken the attention of a couple of soldiers, out beyond their time, and of some men with whom they were drinking.

"Call for something, Smithson," whispered the lieutenant, glancing back anxiously at the door.

"But I don't want anything, sir," said d.i.c.k, angrily.

"Never mind; treat me, then."

d.i.c.k stared, wondering whether his companion was going out of his mind.