With an affected surprise the Major consulted his watch.

"By Jove! I've got a heavy official mail to prepare, and I'm to dine to-day with Harry Hardwicke, of the Engineers.

General Willoughby wants a private conference with me, and Hardwicke is the only confidential man he has.

He gets his Majority soon, and Willoughby will lose him on promotion.

A fine fellow and a rising man." "See here, Hawke! Come in to-morrow and dine with me at seven.