At last
he had her hand in his, and as he pressed it rather harder than the
occasion warranted, he felt his pressure returned. Sam's fate was
sealed. He made no formal proposal, it was unnecessary. The engagement
was a thing taken for granted. It was a novel experience for Marian as
well as for Sam, as now for the first time she meant business. It is
impossible in cold ink to reproduce the ecstasies of those many hours
on Flirtation Walk, during which Sam opened his heart. For the first
time in his life he had found a person as deeply interested in military
matters as he was, and as much in love with military glory. He told her
his whole history, including the lead soldiers and the Boys' Brigade.
He laid bare to her his ambition to be a perfect soldier--a hero. He
told her how disappointed he was to find no other cadet so completely
wrapped up in his profession as he was, and how in her alone he had now
realized his ideal not only of womanhood, but also of appreciation of
the soldier's career. He rehearsed the thrilling experiences of hazing,
and went over the fight in detail and told her how Saunders had brought
it about.
"The horrid wretch!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms about his neck
and kissing him. "I'm so glad they didn't break your nose."
"Are you really?" he asked, and as he read the truth in her eyes a
weight was rolled from his soul.
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