Then she turned to Albert, who was looking down at her and smiling
in his mischievous turn. She knew his aspects by now. She looked straight
back at him, though her eyes were hot. He saluted her.
'Beautiful morning, Miss Stokes.'
'Very!' she replied.
'Handsome is as handsome looks,' said Albert.
Which produced no response.
'Now, Joe, come on here,' said the corporal. 'Don't keep the ladies
waiting--it's the sign of a weak heart.'
Joe turned, and the work began. Nothing more was said for the time being.
As the week went on all parties became more comfortable. Joe remained
silent, averted, neutral, a little on his dignity. Miss Stokes was
off-hand and masterful. Albert was full of mischief.
The great theme was a circus, which was coming to the market town on the
following Saturday.
'You'll go to the circus, Miss Stokes?' said Albert.
'I may go. Are you going?'
'Certainly. Give us the pleasure of escorting you.'
'No, thanks.'
'That's what I call a flat refusal--what, Joe? You don't mean that you
have no liking for our company, Miss Stokes?'
'Oh, I don't know,' said Miss Stokes. 'How many are there of you?'
'Only me and Joe.'
'Oh, is that all?' she said, satirically.
Albert was a little nonplussed.
'Isn't that enough for you?' he asked.
'Too many by half,' blurted out Joe, jeeringly, in a sudden fit of
uncouth rudeness that made both the others stare.
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