"
"Of course I will," said Meldon. "But I'd rather have your permission.
I'd rather you didn't shatter the ideal I've always had of you as a
duty-loving Englishman."
"All right," said the Major wearily. "Do what you like, but for
goodness' sake go to bed and stop talking."
"Good-night," said Meldon. "If you find yourself inclined to change
your mind before morning, just murmur over to yourself, 'England
expects every man to do his duty.' That will stiffen your back."
CHAPTER X.
Major Kent came down to breakfast next morning in a frock coat and a
white waistcoat. His silk hat, carefully brushed and glossy, lay on
the hall table with a pair of pale grey kid gloves beside it. Meldon,
who was a little late for breakfast, paused in the hall and looked at
the hat. Entering the dining-room he took a long stare at his friend.
"Major," he said, "you're a wonderful man. I had forgotten how
wonderful you are. Now that I am getting to know you again I am struck
dumb with absolute amazement."
The Major was uneasily conscious that his attire was in strong contrast
to Meldon's shabby jacket and wrinkled trousers.
"I don't suppose," said Meldon, "that there's another man in the whole
world who could go on dressing himself up like that Sunday after Sunday
in a place like Ballymoy.
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