In spite of the torrid heat, there were parties of pleasure and little dances, and all the round of gaieties that prevail at army posts.
The Colonel was proud of his well-set-up stripling, although, of course, a boy could never be of so much value in a family as a girl, according to Colonel Fortescue's philosophy.

With Mrs.Fortescue it was the other way.

Dear as was Anita to her, the mother's heart was triumphant over her soldier son.

As for the After-Clap, he frankly repudiated his whole domestic circle, except Kettle, for Beverley, who was as tall and strong as his father and could do many more things amusing to a two-and-half-year-old than a stern and dignified Colonel.

Anita and Beverley were as intimate and passionately fond of each other as when they were little playmates.