“Supposing the Scouts hang back and don’t turn up in any numbers,” said Sir Leonard anxiously.

“That of course is the danger,” said Lady Bailquist quietly; “probably two-thirds of the available strength will hold back, but a third or even a sixth would be enough; it would redeem the parade from the calamity of fiasco, and it would be a nucleus to work on for the future.  That is what we want, a good start, a preliminary rally.  It is the first step that counts, that is why to-day’s event is of such importance.”

“Of course, of course, the first step on the road,” assented Sir Leonard.

“I can assure you,” continued Lady Bailquist, “that nothing has been left undone to rally the Scouts to the new order of things.  Special privileges have been showered on them, alone among all the cadet corps they have been allowed to retain their organisation, a decoration of merit has been instituted for them, a large hostelry and gymnasium has been provided for them in Westminster, His Majesty’s youngest son is to be their Scoutmaster-in-Chief, a great athletic meeting is to be held for them each year, with valuable prizes, three or four hundred of them are to be taken every summer, free of charge, for a holiday in the Bavarian Highlands and the Baltic Seaboard; besides this the parent of every scout who obtains the medal for efficiency is to be exempted from part of the new war taxation that the people are finding so burdensome.”

“One certainly cannot say that they have not had attractions held out to them,” said Sir Leonard.

“It is a special effort,” said Lady Bailquist; “it is worth making an effort for.  They are going to be the Janissaries of the Empire; the younger generation knocking at the doors of progress, and thrusting back the bars and bolts of old racial prejudices.  I tell you, Sir Leonard, it will be an historic moment when the first corps of those little khaki-clad boys swings through the gates of the Park.”

“When do they come?” asked the baronet, catching something of his companion’s zeal.

“The first detachment is due to arrive at three,” said Lady Bailquist, referring to a small time-table of the afternoon’s proceedings; “three, punctually, and the others will follow in rapid succession.  The Emperor and Suite will arrive at two-fifty and take up their positions at the saluting base—­over there, where the big flag-staff has been set up.  The boys will come in by Hyde Park Corner, the Marble Arch, and the Albert Gate, according to their districts, and form in one big column over there, where the little flags are pegged out.  Then the young Prince will inspect them and lead them past His Majesty.”

“Who will be with the Imperial party?” asked Sir Leonard.

“Oh, it is to be an important affair; everything will be done to emphasise the significance of the occasion,” said Lady Bailquist, again consulting her programme.  “The King of Wurtemberg, and two of the Bavarian royal Princes, an Abyssinian Envoy who is over here—­he will lend a touch of picturesque barbarism to the scene—­the general commanding the London district and a whole lot of other military bigwigs, and the Austrian, Italian and Roumanian military attaches.”