make the distance another foot, if you please, gentlemen."

In pleasant manner, like to this, the drill proceeded.

"Now then, gentlemen, shall we try a little walk? Quick march!
Thank you, gentlemen. Sorry to trouble you, but it may be necessary
to run--forward I mean, of course.. So if you really do not mind, we
will now do the double quick. Halt! And if next time you can keep a
little more in line--it has a more imposing appearance, if you
understand me. The breathing comes with practice."

If the thing must be done at all, why should it not be done in this
way? Why should not the sergeant address the new recruits politely:

"Now then, you young chaps, are you all ready? Don't hurry
yourselves: no need to make hard work of what should be a pleasure
to all of us. That's right, that's very good indeed--considering you
are only novices. But there is still something to be desired in your
attitude, Private Bully-boy. You will excuse my being personal, but
are you knock-kneed naturally? Or could you, with an effort, do you
think, contrive to give yourself less the appearance of a marionette
whose strings have become loose? Thank you, that is better. These
little things appear trivial, I know, but, after all, we may as well
try and look our best -

"Don't you like your boots, Private Montmorency? Oh, I beg your
pardon. I thought from the way you were bending down and looking at
them that perhaps their appearance was dissatisfying to you. My
mistake.