Do you think Miss Lynden and I have been deaf since we arrived at the front ?" "Does anybody in this hospital use bad language ?" demanded the doctor sharply.
"Not to us," said Ailsa, smiling.

"But there's an army just outside the windows.

Go on with your story, please." "Well, then," said the jolly surgeon, "I was talking with Colonel Riley, when up walks the most honest-looking soldier I think I ever saw; and he gazed straight into the Colonel's eyes as he saluted.
He wanted a furlough, it appeared, to go to New York and see his dying wife.
"Riley said: 'Is she very sick ?' "'Yes, Colonel.' "'You have a letter: saying she is very sick ?' "'Yes, Colonel.' "'Well, _I_ also have a letter from your wife.

I wanted to make certain about all the applications for furlough you have been making, so I wrote her.' "'Yes, Colonel.' "'And she says that she is perfectly well, and does not want you to come home!' "The soldier smiled.
"'Did you write a letter to my wife, Colonel ?' "'I did." "'Did my wife write to you ?' "'She did.

And what do you mean by coming here to me with a lie about your sick wife! Have you anything to say to that ?' "'Yes, Colonel.' "'Then say it!' "'Well, Colonel, all I have to say is that there are two of the damnedest, biggest liars that ever lived, right here in this regiment!' "'What!' "The soldier grinned.
"'I'm not married at all,' he said, 'and I'm the biggest liar--and you can ask the boys who the damnedest liar is.'" When the merriment and laughter had subsided, Hallam told another story rather successfully; then Hammond told another.