All right, said Bourne, in a quiet matter-of-fact
voice. I wantsome gaspers; theyre good enough for the troops. He talkedto Bourne
alone, sending the other two to get their equipment. An then she gets up, an goes
roun to imwi er ands on er ips. Some o these mademoiselles are too bloody artful for
anyone.
Madame looked from her to Bourne a
littleanxiously.
Just muck about a bit in the street to keep the
mentogether.
That bloody man Millers to be court-martialled
tomorrow or thenex day, chap as opped it in July.
What do they want to send us out bread
for?
I am willing to bet nobodyin A Company knows
anything about our going to them.
It was as though she had not known him before, but
now sheremembered.
I onlywanted to, get out o the way, I
did.
You made me wild the other day, talkin like that to
an officer.
Mind you dont pullit out with your
overcoat.
Im just untinup a few o me bosom friends, you know.
Shepushed him away with her right hand, firmly, quickly.
Oui, madame, said Bourne tranquilly; Vest fini. Its
all in the family, said the corporal.
I believe youre a bit sweet on that girl,
Bourne.
Its all in the family, said the
corporal.
You want to watch your step wi em, I can tell you.
Bourne was rolling his puttees on by this time. I am not going before theshow comes
off, anyway. Weve got nothin to grouse about, said the corporal evenly. He drew up a
chair to the table, and bringing her pen, paper andink, she came and sat beside
him.
You will only give the show away, he said
obstinately.
I shall have a glass of wine withyou after you have
eaten.
Shepushed him away with her right hand, firmly,
quickly.
Theredbe no end of a bloody row if they got to know
your friends weresending you bottles o Scotch. Which is the way to Reclinghem,
sergeant-major?
It was inconvenient being so far away from the
restof their section. Wed be on the mat, said Martlow, dubiously. Colonel Bardon
passed, like some impersonal force, and thetension relaxed.