"I couldn't resist having a word with her and wishing her
happiness and the rest of it. We were engaged once upon a time."
"I know," said I.
"I hope you don't think I did wrong in releasing her from the
engagement. I don't consider a man has a right to go on active
service--especially on such service as the present war--and keep a
girl bound at home. Still less has he a right to marry her. What
happens in so many cases? A fortnight's married life. The man goes
to the front. Then ping! or whizz-bang! and that's the end of him,
and so the girl is left."
"On the other hand," said I, "you must remember that the girl may
hold very strong opinions and take pings and whizz-bangs very
deliberately into account."
Boyce helped himself to another whisky and soda. "It's a matter
for the individual conscience. I decided one way. Connor obviously
decided another, and, like a lucky fellow, found Betty of his way
of thinking. Perhaps I have old-fashioned notions." He took a long
pull at his drink. "Well, it can't be helped," he said with a
smile. "The other fellow has won, and I must take it gracefully.
... By George! wasn't she looking stunning to-night--in that kit?
.
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