He had felt with his arm about his girl's shoulders the sudden shock that had passed through her.

So she had not known either.
He had not prepared her.

There was not an understanding between them.

He saluted as light-heartedly as ever to all appearance, but he did not look at Nelly.

Nor did he make any remark on the change in the regiment.
After that day the passing of his "boys" ceased to be the old joy to him.