Meantime there was to be no allusion to
"the raid of Ruthven" till the day of the review was over. It was to
be put entirely off the tongue, if not out of the head!
And the two young doctors were weary enough of the subject to rejoice
in obedience to her.
The day was perfect except that poor Allen was pinned fast by his
tyrant, all the others gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the
moment. They understood the sham fight, and recognised all the
corps, with Jock as their cicerone, they had a good place at the
marching past, and Esther had the crowning delight of an excellent
view of Captain Viscount Fordham with his company, and at the
luncheon. Jock received an absolutely affectionate welcome from his
old friends, who made as much of his mother and sister for his sake,
as they did of the lovely Lady Fordham for her husband's, finding
them, moreover, much more easy to get on with.
CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TRUANT.
The bird was sitting in his cage
And heard what he did say;
He jumped upon the window sill,
"'Tis time I was away."
Ballad.
There is a young lady in the drawing-room, ma'am," said the maid,
looking rather puzzled and uncertain, on the return of the party from
the review.
"A stranger? How could you let her in?" said John.
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