Joe would talk with Albert, and
laugh at his jokes. But Miss Stokes could get little out of him. She had
to depend on her silent forces. They were more effective than might be
imagined.
Suddenly, on Saturday afternoon, at about two o'clock, Joe received a
bolt from the blue--a telegram: 'Meet me Belbury Station 6.00 p.m. today.
M.S.' He knew at once who M.S. was. His heart melted, he felt weak as if
he had had a blow.
'What's the trouble, boy?' asked Albert anxiously.
'No--no trouble--it's to meet somebody.' Joe lifted his dark-blue eyes in
confusion towards his corporal.
'Meet somebody!' repeated the corporal, watching his young pal with keen
blue eyes. 'It's all right, then; nothing wrong?'
'No--nothing wrong. I'm not going,' said Joe.
Albert was old and shrewd enough to see that nothing more should be said
before the housewife. He also saw that Joe did not want to take him into
confidence. So he held his peace, though he was piqued.
The two soldiers went into town, smartened up. Albert knew a fair
number of the boys round about; there would be plenty of gossip in the
market-place, plenty of lounging in groups on the Bath Road, watching the
Saturday evening shoppers. Then a modest drink or two, and the movies.
They passed an agreeable, casual, nothing-in-particular evening, with
which Joe was quite satisfied. He thought of Belbury Station, and of
M.S. waiting there.
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