Take him in hand, Sybil. He's a good fellow spoiled." 

 "All right, Jack," said Sybil, smiling, and stepping towards the wide veranda with her new-found friend. Gordon remained behind with the parents to talk of old times. 

 "This is a pleasure," said Jones as they sat down.  "I never thought of meeting such a charming person from down under." 

 Sybil frowned a little, then looking straight into his eyes said, "I don't like honey, Mr. Jones, it's too sweet, and sweet things are often sickly." 

 "I—I—I beg your pardon," he stammered, blushing a little. 

 "I'm afraid you expected to meet an aborigine, didn't you?" she said more kindly, remembering the cue she had received from Jack Gordon. 

 "Not exactly—I'm afraid I have not met any Australians except the troops." 

 "And what do you think of them? I'm rather interested, and like other people's views." 

 "You're not super-sensitive, I hope," he remarked, "because some of your fellows seem to be awfully touchy." 

 "Many Australians are; I'm not, now go on." 

 "Well, I like your men for their wonderful physique. They are as tough as the oldest soldiers. But they're not very respectful, you know. I mean, they don't salute; they stalk past with an air of equality and even contempt. That's a bad sign in a soldier." 

 "Yes?" said Sybil, daintily lighting a neat cigarette and settling down in her cosy chair. 

 "The officers, I hear, are excellent leaders, but, somehow, they don't quite look the part—sort of mixed, don't you know. Somehow, their build and clothes don't give them that distinctive touch which is the hall-mark of the British officer. I suppose it's really a question of breeding. They say in England it takes five generations to turn out a gentleman. Americans seem the same as Australians. In fact, I've read that all young and democratic countries are alike. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying they are not gentlemen. The life, I suppose, knocks off the fine points." 

 "I see," said Sybil, turning her face towards him.  "Then your conception of a leader is a thin-waisted, well-corseted man, all hair wash and side—a most perfect and arrogant dandy. I can't believe that the 

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