The White Wedding

THE WHITE WEDDING SHANS THE MAN ARTHUR GORDRIDG th E e , young master of Glanncourt, just getting better of a sickness that had brought him home from his regimental district, lay on a sofa during the forenoon of that 18th of September 1899 whose Timer on the floor at his feet was furious with the news that President Kruger had refused to accept any of our propositions made to him on the eighth of the month but even these growlings of the outbreak now near could not too greatly jingoize Gordridges mind that morning, and his pile of papers having slipped off the sofa, his looks hankered towards the door. Presently when the door opened his eye brightened but the young lady who came in was not the one whom he longed to see. How are you this morning, Arthur she asked. I THE WHITE WEDDING Well, I think I begin now to feel some life in me again, thanks, Anne, he answered. Aunt Margaret asks you how you are, and whether there will be war. Well, I suppose there will be war it will be intolerable if there is not after the insolence of these little farmer-people. I wonder if you will have to go to fight Not very likely. c c But if your company goes. . . . 9 2 Even in that case . . . . I am on the sick-list, Anne. But youll soon be better, and having no special temptation to stay . . . 2 3 Dont worry, Anne, just mention to mother what I say. . . Why, by the way, doesnt somebody remove this tray from my side You might have rung . . . 1 11 take it. As you like. Or would you prefer that Rosie- By the way, talking of Rosie, have you heard about her You have been so much abroad, and so chippy since you came, that I dare say you know precious little about us others here, really. But perhaps you are not much interested in your mothers pant in, Arthur...