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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"Soldiers Three"


CURTISS. Gaddy may thank his luck that the Pink Hussars are all
detachment and no headquarters this hot weather, or he'd be torn from
the arms of his love as sure as death. Have you ever noticed the
thorough-minded way British Cavalry take to cholera? It's because they
are so expensive. If the Pinks had stood fast here, they would have
been out in camp a month ago. Yes, I should decidedly like to be Gaddy.
MACKESY. He'll go Home after he's married, and send in his papers--see
if he doesn't.
BLAYNE. Why shouldn't he? Hasn't he money? Would any one of us be here
if we weren't paupers?
DOONE. Poor old pauper! What has became of the six hundred you rooked
from our table last month?
BLAYNE. It took unto itself wings. I think an enterprising tradesman
got some of it, and a _shroff_ gobbled the rest--or else I spent it.
CURTISS. Gaddy never had dealings with a _shroff_ in his life.
DOONE. Virtuous Gaddy! If _I_ had three thousand a month, paid from
England, I don't think I'd deal with a _shroff_ either.
MACKESY. (Yawning.) Oh, it's a sweet life! I wonder whether matrimony
would make it sweeter.


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