Either the glasses, or being called a gentleman, or
both, had been too much even for Willie.
'Is the colonel in the vicinity?' Aunt Purdie demanded, recalling
Macgregor's wondering gaze from the retreating figure.
'I couldna say. He's liker to be in a cauld bath.'
'You have, of course, informed him who your uncle is?'
'Me an' the colonel ha'ena done much hob-nobbin' as yet,' Macgregor
said, smiling.
'His mother used to obtain her groceries from your uncle. If you
could have presented the colonel to me--well, never mind. I
presume the major is on the _quee vive_.'
'He'll be ha'ein' a wash an' brush up, I wud say.'
'But why are you not being drilled or digging up trenches or firing
guns----'
'We're a' deid men this efternune. Had a big rout mairch the day.'
'Oh, indeed! Well, when does the band play?'
'The baun's burstit wi' the rout mairch. It couldna blaw the ash
aff a ceegarette. I'm rael sorry----'
'I would like to inspect the apartments you live in. Pray conduct
me----'
'Some o' the chaps is cleanin' theirsel's. If ye like, I'll tell
them to hurry up or get ablow the blankets.'
'Certainly not!' said Mrs. Purdie with decision. 'Is there no
tea-room adjacent?'
'Jist the canteen. I doobt I couldna I tak' ye inside, but I
could fetch ye oot a drink--something T.T., I suppose?'
She waved the offer away. 'Is there | nothing to be perceived or
observed in this camp?' she inquired with some impatience.
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