"
"Well, what can she do to you?" asked Bob practically. "You're too big
to beat, or she'd certainly do it; she can't stop your pay, because you
don't get any; and as you have your meals with the youngsters, she can't
dock your rations. That doesn't leave her much beside her tongue. Of
course, she can do a good deal with that; do you think you can stand
it?"
"Oh, yes," said Cecilia. "You see, I generally have it, so it really
doesn't matter much. But if she forbids me to go out with you again,
Bobby?"
Bob pondered.
"Well--you're nineteen," he said. "And the very first minute I can, I'm
going to take you away from her altogether. If you were a kid I wouldn't
let you defy her. But, hang it all, Tommy, I'm not going to let her
punish you as though you were ten. If she forbids you to meet me--well,
you must just take French leave, that's all."
"Oh, Bob, you are a satisfying person!" said Cecilia, with a sigh.
"Well, I don't know--it's you who will have to stand the racket," said
Bob. "I only wish I could take my share, old girl. But, please goodness,
it won't be for long."
"Bob," said Cecilia, and paused. "What about that statement of
hers--that it would be illegal for you to take me away? Do you think
it's true?"
"I've asked our Major, and he's a bit doubtful," said Bob. "All the
other fellows say it's utter nonsense. But I'm going to ask the old
lawyer chap who has charge of Aunt Margaret's money--he'll tell me.
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