17th May - After the Review.

'No, sir. There is nothing else and if presumed too much in allowing myself to carry on this particular discussion I hope you will forgive me. I shall do my best not to do so again, sir.' George saluted. 'With your permission, sir, I shall return to my duties?' George had allowed himself to relax in the General's company after he had told the man almost the whole truth about himself, but he could see that he still had to be careful around the man, now even more so than before.

"Yes indeed. Carry on, Hunter. I shall see you later in the day."

'Yes, sir.' George made the salute and left, shutting the door firmly behind himself. Work seemed most welcome now, even if it was mindless copying of dispatches.

Almost as soon as Hunter closed the door he stripped off his waistcoat, irritatedby Hunter once more. It seemed he had only got to the bottom of one problem to fall out again. Surely that boy could not think for a moment he would tolerate such treasonous talk? Some of it was possibly true in terms of the idea of fighting for 'King' being abstract... but he could not, and would not accept that men would die for him. They fought and died for England, as he fought for England; as he sent them to their deaths for King and Country. He did not want men to die for him - could not bear to entertain the thought - and any suggestion to the contrary was foolish, romantic nonsense.

And to be frank, he would rather that they not die at all.