My uppermost sense-- odd as it may seem--was one of infinite protection.

It seemed impossible that, with all these cheerful men about me, joking and swearing, I could come to much harm.

It surprised me, after my months of yearning and weeks of tramping to reach this army, to discover how little my presence was regarded even in my own regiment.

The men took me for granted, asking no questions.
I might have strolled in upon them out of nowhere, with my hands in my pockets.

And the officers, it appeared, were equally incurious.
Captain Lockhart, commanding the company, had scarcely flung me a look.