"May I read the letter when you've explained it?"

"Certainly not," said Celia firmly.

"I only want to make sure that it's an explanation and not an
apology."

"I shall probably put it down to a bicycle accident. Which is
that?--No, no," she added hastily, "_Kamerad!_"

I put down the revolver and went on with my packing. And a day or two
later Celia began to write about the miniature.

* * * * *

The stars represent shells or months, or anything like that; _not_
promotion. I came back with just the two--one on each sleeve.

We talked of many things, but not of the miniature. Somehow I had
forgotten all about it. And then one day I remembered suddenly.

"The miniature," I said; "did you get it done?"

"Yes," said Celia quietly.

"Have you got it here?"

"Yes."

"Oh, I say, do let me see it."