human
Yes, he is young enough, but older than he looks, answered the sergeant.
gpt
Poor lad! I'm sorry for him.
human
Indeed! He does not seem to me a fit subject for pity. Young, strong, handsome, intelligent, he seems pretty well furnished to begin the battle of life--especially in the army.
gpt
returned the soldier, regarding his young questioner with something between a compassionate and an amused look.
human
Having read a good deal of history I am well aware of that,
gpt
Well, then, you see, continued the sergeant,
human
Wife! exclaimed Miles;
gpt
He is over twenty, and, as to gravity--well, most young fellows would be grave enough if they had to leave a pretty young wife after six months of wedded life. You see, he married without leave, and so, even if it were a time of peace, his wife would not be recognised by the service. In wartime he must of course leave her behind him. It has been a hard job to prevent him from deserting, and now it's all I can do to divert his attention from his sorrow by stirring him up with tales of the recent wars.