The general [very gravely] I remember the case now.  I had forgotten the name.  I’ll not refuse your acquaintance, Mr Hotchkiss; partly because youre my brother’s guest, and partly because Ive seen too much active service not to know that every man’s nerve plays him false at one time or another, and that some very honorable men should never go into action at all, because theyre not built that way.  But if I were you I should not use that visiting card.  No doubt it’s an honorable trait in your character that you dont wish any man to give you his hand in ignorance of your disgrace; but you had better allow us to forget.  We wish to forget.  It isnt your disgrace alone:  it’s a disgrace to the army and to all of us.  Pardon my plain speaking.

Hotchkiss [sunnily] My dear General, I dont know what fear means in the military sense of the word.  Ive fought seven duels with the sabre in Italy and Austria, and one with pistols in France, without turning a hair.  There was no other way in which I could vindicate my motives in refusing to make that attack at Smutsfontein.  I dont pretend to be a brave man.  I’m afraid of wasps.  I’m afraid of cats.  In spite of the voice of reason, I’m afraid of ghosts; and twice Ive fled across Europe from false alarms of cholera.  But afraid to fight I am not. [He turns gaily to Reginald and slaps him on the shoulder].  Eh, Rejjy? [Reginald grunts].

The general.  Then why did you not do your duty at Smutsfontein?

Hotchkiss.  I did my duty—­my higher duty.  If I had made that attack, my commanding officer’s plan would have been successful, and he would have been promoted.  Now I happen to think that the British Army should be commanded by gentlemen, and by gentlemen alone.  This man was not a gentleman.  I sacrificed my military career—­I faced disgrace and social ostracism rather than give that man his chance.

The general [generously indignant] Your commanding officer, sir, was my friend Major Billiter.

Hotchkiss.  Precisely.  What a name!

The general.  And pray, sir, on what ground do you dare allege that Major Billiter is not a gentleman?

Hotchkiss.  By an infallible sign:  one of those trifles that stamp a man.  He eats rice pudding with a spoon.

The general [very angry] Confound you, I eat rice pudding with a spoon.  Now!

Hotchkiss.  Oh, so do I, frequently.  But there are ways of doing these things.  Billiter’s way was unmistakable.

The general.  Well, I’ll tell you something now.  When I thought you were only a coward, I pitied you, and would have done what I could to help you back to your place in Society—­

Hotchkiss [interrupting him] Thank you:  I havnt lost it.  My motives have been fully appreciated.  I was made an honorary member of two of the smartest clubs in London when the truth came out.