A moment before I had been drifting hopelessly, in a state of most acute self-consciousness.  But with him to guide me I set off quite boldly.

At what proved to be exactly the right spot he paused.

“Miss Robinson,” he called; “pink georgette.”

With a polite introductory wave of the hand he motioned me towards the lady.  He hovered about, near by, whilst I opened the bit of tissue-paper containing the pattern and murmured my needs to Miss Robinson.  His very presence gave me confidence.

When it was all over he came up and led me away.  As we emerged into the stronger light near the door I peered at him closely.  Then I touched him on the arm and beckoned him behind a couple of Paris models.

I took hold of his hand and wrung it fervently.

“Sergeant Steel,” I said, “you always did have the knack of being in exactly the right spot at the right moment.  I haven’t set eyes on you since that very hot day in ’16, when you brought up the remnants of 14 platoon and pulled me out of that tight corner at Guillemont.  That was a valuable bit of work, Sergeant, but nothing to this—­simply nothing!”

The solicitous curve had straightened out from his broad shoulders.  His hands had ceased their soothing massage.  His heels were together, his arms glued to his sides, his eyes glaring at a fixed point directly over the top of my head.

“Thought it was you, Sir, as soon as I saw you.  But of course I wasn’t going to say anything till you did.”  It was not the ingratiating voice now, but that rasping half-whisper he always used for nocturnal conferences in the front line.  “Never heard anything of you, Sir, since you went down with a Blighty after Guillemont.  Beg your pardon, Sir, but you looked a bit windy as you came in just now, so I thought I’d keep in support....  Yes, Sir, got my ticket last month—­only been back on my old job a fortnight.”

I tapped the parcel that Miss Robinson’s own fair hands had made up for me.

“This a good issue, Sergeant?” I said.  “Sound and reliable and all that?”

“Couldn’t be better, Sir.  I had my eye on her.  We only drew it ourselves lately.  That’s the stuff to give ’em.  You can safely carry on with that, Sir ... a perfect match ... exquisite blending of colour ... those art shades are to be very fashionable this season, I assure you, Sir.”

Imperceptibly his hands had resumed their massage, the solicitous curve had returned to his broad shoulders, his voice was ingratiating again.

“We have a large range of all the daintiest materials.  I believe our charmeuse, ninons and crepe-de-Chines to be unrivalled in town, Sir.  A little damp under foot to-day, Sir, but warmer, I think—­distinctly warmer.  Yes, Sir.  Thank you, Sir, Good day, Sir.”

And Sergeant Steel (D.C.M. and four chevrons) bowed me into the street.

* * * * *