The little lady in white had drawn all the male eyes upon her as she came in, and those who rapidly resumed their talk with Miss Farrell or each other, interrupted by the entrance of the newcomers, were no less aware of her than those who, with Farrell, devoted themselves to supply the two sisters with tea.
Nelly herself, extremely shy, but sustained somehow by the thought that she must hold her own in this new world, was soon deep in conversation with a charming youth, who owned a long, slightly lantern-jawed face and fair hair, moved on crutches with a slung knee, and took everything including his wound as 'funny.' 'Where is your husband ?' he asked her.

'Sir William thinks he is somewhere near Festubert?
My hat, the Lanchesters have been having a hot time there!--funny, isn't it?
But they'll be moved to an easier job soon.

They're always in luck--the Lanchesters--funny, I call it ?--what?
I wouldn't worry if I were you.

Your husband's got through this all right--mightn't have another such show for ages.

These things are awful chancey--funny, isn't it?
Oh, my wound ?--well, it was just when I was getting over the parados to move back to billets--that the brute got me.
Funny, wasn't it?
Hullo!--here's a swell! My hat!--it's General Torr!' Nelly looked up bewildered to see a group of officers enter the room, headed by a magnificent soldier, with light brown hair, handsome features, and a broad be-ribboned chest.