“But there is nothing to do in this wretched village,” Ralph said discontentedly.

“Not if you stop in the village, I grant; but you might do as Desmond and I do when we are off duty; go over and take lunch at the Ryans’, or Burkes’, or any of the other families where we have a standing invitation.  They are always glad to see one, and there’s plenty of fun to be had.”

“That’s all very well for you, O’Connor.  You are a captain and a single man, and one of their countrymen, with lots to say for yourself; but it is a different thing with me altogether.  I can’t drop in and make myself at home as you do.”

“Why, you are not shy, Conway?” O’Connor said in affected horror.  “Surely such a disgrace has not fallen on his majesty’s Twenty-eighth Regiment that one of its officers is shy?  Such a thing is not recorded in its annals.”

“I am afraid it will have to be recorded now,” laughed Ralph.  “For I own that I am shy; if you call shy, feeling awkward and uncomfortable with a lot of strange people, especially ladies.”

“Do not let it be whispered outside,” O’Connor said, “or the reputation of the regiment is gone forever among Irish girls.  Desmond, this is a sad business.  What are we to do with this man?  You and I must consult together how this thing is to be cured.”

“No, no, O’Connor,” Ralph said earnestly, knowing how fond O’Connor was of practical jokes, and dreading that he and the lieutenant would be putting him in some ridiculous position or other.  “You will never cure me if you set about it.  I shall get over it in time; but it’s the sort of thing that becomes ten times worse if you attempt to cure it.”

“We must think it over, my lad,” O’Connor said seriously.  “This is a serious defect in your character; and as your commanding officer I consider it my bounden duty, both for your sake and that of the regiment, to take it into serious consideration and see what is to be done.  You may never have such a chance again of being cured as you have here; for if a man goes away from Ireland without being cured of shyness his case is an absolutely hopeless one.  Desmond, you must turn this matter seriously over in your mind, and I will do the same.  And now it is time for us to be starting for the dance at the Regans’.  I am sorry you can’t go with us, Desmond, as you are on duty.”

“I shall be very glad to take your duty, Desmond,” Ralph said eagerly.  “I told you so this morning, and I thought you agreed.”

“As your commanding officer,” O’Connor said gravely, “I cannot permit the exchange to be made, Mr. Conway.  You have your duty to perform to the regiment as well as Mr. Desmond, and your duty clearly is to go out and make yourself agreeable.  I am surprised after what I have just been saying that you should think of staying at home.”

“Well, of course, if you want me to go I will go,” Ralph said reluctantly.  “But I don’t know the Regans, and don’t want to.”