Then I cleared up the tea-mess. It was not until the house was in
order again that I put on my glasses and read the envelope that the
captain had given me:--
Capt. T. E. Simpson,
King's Own Yorkshire L. I. VIth Infantry Brigade,
15th Division, British Expeditionary Force.
And I put it carefully away in my address book until the time should
come for me to write and tell "how I came through"; the phrase did
disturb me a little.
I did not eat any supper. Food seemed to be the last thing I wanted. I
sat down in the study to read. It was about eight when I heard the gate
open. Looking out I saw a man in khaki, his gun on his shoulder,
marching up the path. I went to the door.
"Good-evening, ma'am," he said. "All right?"
I assured him that I was.
"I am the corporal of the guard," he added. "The commander's
compliments, and I was to report to you that your road was picketed for
the night and that all is well."
I thanked him, and he marched away, and took up his post at the gate,
and I knew that this was the commander's way of letting me know that
Captain Simpson had kept his word. I had just time while the corporal
stood at the door to see "Bedford" on his cap, so I knew that the new
regiment was from Bedfordshire.
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