"Yes, the lieutenant; I've made a picture of him. New uniform fresh from the tailor's; I've shampooed him and brushed him, and scented him till he smells like a bed of flowers, and he's all in a nervous flutter as he sits there, afraid to smoke or do anything before the company come. Can't you go up and have a look?" "No, Jerry; I should be disposed to laugh." "That you would. I had hard work to keep from it myself; but he isn't to be laughed at either, for, without any gammon, he's the finest fellow I ever saw, and a real gentleman as well." "Yes; I like him," said Dick, quietly. "Three pairs of white kid gloves in his pockets and three scented handkerchiefs. He's got a buttonhole on; and I've got three more in water, to have ready for him during the evening. I'm to be waiting for him when he wants a fresh one. I say, Dick Smithson, there's going to be a special lady here to-night, I know." "Very likely, Jerry. Such a man as he is will, of course, have someone he admires." "Then you won't go and see him?" Dick shook his head. "He'd like it. He didn't say so; but he told me to be sure that you had plenty of refreshment. I'm to look after you. He said you'd have lots of work; so that you ought to be looked after." "It's very kind of him," said Dick, with his eyes brightening at the idea of his having made a friend. "And I shan't forget to attend to his orders. I say, go over to his quarters." "What for? I've no excuse for going." "Oh, yes; you have. He's on the committee. Go and ask him if he has any orders to give about the music." "I am not the bandmaster, Jerry; but I will go. There's just time before going to the ball-room." "That's right; I like pleasing anyone who behaves well to you." There was none too much time, but Dick had only to walk into the orchestra with his flute-case under his arm; so, hurrying away, he ran across the barrack yard, entered the officers' quarters unquestioned, and made his way to the first floor. "Come in!" came, in a gruff voice, in answer to a modest tap. "That you, Brigley?" "No, sir; I came to see if you wished to send any message to Mr Wilkins about the music." "Bother Wilkins!" growled the lieutenant. "I believe he'll make a muddle of it all. Can't you conduct, Smithson?" "I, sir? Oh, no. I think it will go all right." "I'm doubtful; but, look here--I want the music to be well-marked, and, if it's going wrong, you get the other fellows to help you. Keep it all well going." "I will, sir." "I've told Brigley to see that you chaps have plenty of supper and what you want to drink. I say, Smithson--" "Yes, sir. Thank you for your thought of us." "Thought of you; why, of course, thought of you. You fellows have to keep the thing going. But I say--" "Yes, sir." "Do I--er--do I look all right?" The lieutenant rose, and took a turn up and down the room. "Splendid, sir!"