"Yes, if you like to put it in that way," I answered gaily. "And about our engagement?"
"It is 'done finish,' as they say out here."
"I would rather it was not given out yet. Time enough when you return or I go home."
"I see," he answered; "you think if you were ticketed 'Engaged,' you would lose half your fun!"
"No indeed," I protested indignantly, "but I should hate all the talk; it is not as if you were to be here--that would be different."
"Yes, very different indeed," and he gave an audible sigh.
"People might say that it was not true--and--and----"
"You have a humble opinion of the lovely Miss Lingard," he interrupted with a laugh, "but if you insist I could put up a notice in the club, signed and witnessed; and the general might allow it to be mentioned in orders. I say, Eva, you _are_ a little goose."
"I wonder what your people will think? I'm sure Aunt Mina won't give me a good 'chit,' and you know I've no money."
"Don't talk of money," he protested impatiently, "when every second now is worth gold to me. I shall have you, you will have me, and I feel sure we shall be awfully happy together. We must tell one or two friends here about our engagement; for instance, Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Soames."
"Yes, I should like to tell Mrs. Soames--I know she will be so pleased--and, of course, Ronnie."
"I'm not sure that _he_ will be so pleased--somehow your brother and I have never hit it off. I know he is immensely popular and a capital sportsman. I believe he thinks me a prig--which I'm not. I'm a bit older and steadier, that's all. By the way, darling, do you know that I am fourteen years your senior?"
"As if it mattered!" I retorted with scorn.
"Not now, no doubt, but later--much later--you must promise not to throw my bald head and grey hairs in my face."
"Captain Falkland--no, I mean Brian--how can you talk such nonsense!"
"I suppose because I'm so happy; if the poor pater were all right I'd not have a wish left! By the way, about Ronnie, you must influence him, my little girl. I hear of high play, racing bets and wild-cat speculations. Try to get hold of the purse strings, and do your level best to cut him loose from that repulsive ruffian Balthasar."
"I'll try, but lately Ronnie is so changed; not the least like himself."