"Couldn't dream of it, Miss Woodburn, delighted though I should be to make the colonel's acquaintance. It will be some time before Russell gets leave again, and your last evening shall be sacred. Good-bye, Miss Woodburn! I'm very glad to have met you. And may I congratulate you both? I've known Russell well for some years, and I can congratulate you, and--forgive me for saying it--I've known you for a couple of days, and I do most sincerely congratulate him."
Ethel pressed the "horrid Guide man's" hand, and when he and Ted had departed, observed:
"Whilst congratulations are passing round, Jim, I congratulate you on your friend."
Ted shared a small, one-story residence just outside the town with his chum Ensign Paterson. His bedroom was only just large enough to allow sleeping-room for Jim, but hearing that Captain Russell's comrade of the Guides was coming to Aurungpore, Paterson had placed his equally limited accommodation at Spencer's disposal. Arrived at home, Ted doffed the pigskin and discussed horses and riding with his guest until the time came for them to sally forth once more. A dinner was to be given by the officers of the 193rd in honour of the triumph of their regiment. For the third time in succession they had won the Aurungpore Cup, and Ted was the hero of the hour. He enjoyed the rôle until, his health having been drunk with acclamation, he was called upon for a speech.
Such an ordeal had never been contemplated, and he had to be dragged to his feet, a victim of nervous funk. As he faced his quizzing comrades his mind was a blank; he stammered a few incoherent sentences intended for thanks, and abruptly sat down again, feeling convinced that he had qualified for a place in any home for the feeble-minded. Yet the older officers liked him better for this lack of self-confidence than had he shown no sign of confusion. In reply to the toast, "Our Guests", Lieutenant Spencer made a neat and witty speech that set everyone at his ease.
The ordeal over, Spencer, Paterson, and Ted returned to the little bungalow, and settled down to await Jim's arrival. Lieutenant Spencer filled his pipe and lay back in the one chair that the apartment boasted, Paterson sat straddle-legged across a camp-stool, and Ted squatted on a box with his back to the wall and his legs dangling. The room was lighted by a candle stuck in a bottle, for were they not in the "Gorgeous East" where luxury and splendour reign supreme?