Even Hartley and
Donovan, the two whose devotions to Esther Dade had been carried to the
verge of oppression, and who were on terms of distant civility only when
compelled to appear together in the presence of women or their other
superiors, had been moved to more than one visit at the Hays', but
Hartley speedily returned to his undesired siege at the quarters of
Captain Dade, while Donovan joined forces with two other youngsters,
Bruce and Putney, because it gave them comfort to bother Field; who,
being the adjutant, and a very busy man, could visit only at certain
hours of the day or evening. Now, it had become apparent to the boys
that despite her general attitude of cordiality their attentions were
not what Mrs. Hay so much desired as those of the major commanding.
Twice had he been invited to dine within the week of Nanette's coming.
Once he accepted. The second time he begged off on plea of a previous
engagement, subsequently made, to go shooting with Blake. It was the
bachelor heart and home of Major Webb to which Mrs. Hay would have laid
vicarious siege, small blame to her, for that indomitable
cross-examiner, Mrs. Wilkins, wife and manager of the veteran ranker now
serving as post quartermaster, had wormed out of Mrs.
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