But I found out long ago that it had been a stupid thing to
go in for. When one has mastered the routine, it is awfully
monotonous; and one has nothing to do with one's time or one's
brains. I have felt many a time that I could keep straight better if
I had something tougher to do."
"Tell me, just to satisfy my mind, my dear, you have no debts."
"I don't owe forty pounds in the world, mother; and I shall not owe
that, when I can get my tailor to send in his bill. You have given
me as jolly an allowance as any man in the corps, and I've always
paid my way. I've got no end of things about my rooms, and my horses
and cab, but they will turn into money. You see, having done the
thing first figure, I should hate to begin in the cheap and nasty
style, and I had much rather come home to you, Mother Carey. I'm not
too old, you know-—not one-and-twenty till August. I shall not come
primed like the Monk, but I'll try to grind up to him, if you'll let
me, mother."
"Oh, Jock, dear Jock!" she cried, "you little know the strength and
life it gives me to have you taking it so like a young hero."
"I tell you I'm sick of drill and parade," said Jock, "and heartily
glad of an excuse to turn to something where one can stretch one's
wits without being thought a disgrace to humanity.
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