i8 CASUALS IN THE CAUCASUS 



self-sacrifice too far. I appeal to you, Major Abdy. 

 Mrs. Curwen must not wear pink. You said so, did 

 you not ? " 



" Dear me, ladies, I don't want you to wear any- 

 thing," said the Major decisively, looking from one 

 to the other in ill-disguised annoyance. " I mean, 

 er — er — no specific colour." 



" Then I wash my hands of the whole affair," cried 

 Dresden-china tearfully. " I shall not act. I would 

 never have undertaken the part at all but for the 

 thought of that dream of a dress. You'd hardly 

 believe how well I look in it." 



" It certainly would require some effort of the im- 

 agination," retorted the triumphant widow ; " but it 

 doesn't need the aid of a pink dress to set off my type 

 of looks — you are welcome to the thing. I will wear 

 heliotrope and green." 



" It was so kind of you to ask me to sing in the 

 chorus. Major Abdy," murmured a tall, dark girl, 

 turning gratefully to him. 



" Not at all," he answered abstractedly, " anyone 



does for that. I mean, er — er Oh, hang it, you 



understand ! " 



" I expect four bouquets," volimteered the chorus 

 leader. " Two from my husband, and two from the 

 General. I shall order six myself, and have them 

 handed up one at a time. Everybody says it is a 

 shame I haven't more to do. The General is going to 

 clap all the time I'm on the stage." 



" We will now take the trio in the second act, please. 

 You might raise your hands a little ! " 



