“No, I am not in a rage,” said Frank, who at that moment felt the folly of these confidences. “I don't care a hang. It isn't as if it were a woman I cared about. Had it been you--” “Get along, don't you tell me.” “I assure you I speak only in a general way, and you must admit that if you go out with a fellow it would not be nice of you to begin talking to some one else.” “Oh! I never do that.” “There, then you admit I was right, I was sure you would; I don't care a hang for the lady I was with, but I don't intend to allow any one to insult me. But I wonder how you can speak to soldiers.” “They are no worse than the others. Besides, in our business we have to be polite to every one.” “Polite, yes--but I wanted to speak to you, I came down from my box on purpose to speak to you, and I couldn't, you were so engaged with that soldier.” “He was here before you; you would not like it if you were talking to me, and I were to rush off to speak to some one else.” “One Scotch and three Irish, miss, and out of the bottle please, our friend here's most particular, he would like it in a thin glass, too--wouldn't you, Ted? and if he could have a go at that pretty mouth he would like it better still. A rare one after the ladies is Teddy. Aren't you, old chap?” Full of scorn Frank watched this noisy group. Lizzie remained talking with them for some little time, and she did not return until he called to her twice for a cigar. “How very impatient you are,” she said, handing him the box. “You were talking to me, and you go away to talk to those cads.” “I must serve the customers, you naughty man. You can't have me all to yourself. I believe you would like to.” “That I should. I wish you would come out with me. I wish you would come to dinner.” “And what would the lady say who you went to the theatre with to-night, and were so mad because some one spoke to her?” “I assure you she is nothing to me, a mere acquaintance. I was angry because I thought it a piece of impertinence of the fellow to come intruding his conversation when it wasn't wanted; but as for the woman I don't care a snap for her; never did, I assure you: she is nothing to me. I suppose you don't get out much here.” “We are off duty for so many hours every day; but we must be in at a certain time.” “But you have got Sundays.” “We get Sunday in our turn.” “When will your turn come?” “I am going out next Sunday.” “I wish you would come with me; I would take you up the river. You know the river?” “No, I don't know even what you mean.” “You mean to say you have never been up the river, not even so far as Twickenham?” “No.” “Well, then, you have a treat. The most beautiful thing in England is the Thames--perhaps in the world. Last year I spent nearly three months at Marlow and Maidenhead--we positively lived in a boat. I have a beautiful boat. I should like to take you out--you would enjoy it. Are you fond of boating?” “I love it. I haven't been in a boat since I left Wales.”