The Purple Plain Page #4

Well, the Messing Officer.

They're moving a lot of new bodies in.

Everywhere is full up.

Anyway, it's only for tonight.

l'm being sent up to Meiktila.

l'll be leaving tomorrow.

Everything's in a mess

at the moment.

So l see.

- l seem to have put up a black.

- Oh, he's an impossible man.

Of course, we all feel the heat.

And three in a tent really is too many,

but that's no reason to behave

in such a boorish way.

Still, l suppose it was a bit

high-handed of the Messing Officer

just to stick me in here

without even consulting him.

Yes, but what you don't realize is that

Forrester invites that sort of treatment.

Puts people's backs up.

Thank goodness l'm a wingless wonder.

l don't envy you flying with him.

Why?

Well, everyone knows

he's round the bend. Everyone.

- Ah, well met.

- Hello, Doc.

l was coming over to see you.

- l've an invitation for you.

- Yes?

Miss McNab, the missionary

from the village--

dinner tonight.

No, thanks.

l take over some rice

and a can of meat and they make curry.

lt's delicious.

l'm sure it is, but l can't make it.

l'll pick you up at 7:00.

l said no thanks.

Here, you take this.

l'll take the rice.

We are not divided

All one body we

One in hope and doctrine

Come on.

One in charity

Onward, Christian soldiers

Marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus

going on before

- Good evening, Dr. Harris.

- Good evening, Dorothy.

- Good evening, Mr. Forrester.

- Good evening.

- Something for the kitchen.

- Oh, how good of you.

l'll be in in a minute.

Ah, good evening, Dr. Harris!

Good evening to you.

Good evening, Miss McNab.

Can l introduce--

This will be Squadron Leader Forrester,

l have no doubt.

lt's an honor

and a pleasure, Mr. Forrester.

- l'm glad you were able to come.

- That's very kind of you.

Nobody told me

you were so handsome.

Come on, let me introduce you.

This is Anna's mother.

How do you do?

She can't answer you

because she can't speak.

She hasn't spoken

since the Japs bombed us in Rangoon.

l'm sorry.

- Hello, Mr. Phang.

- A pleasure, Doctor, as always.

- This is Mr. Phang.

- How do you do, Mr. Phang?

Very pleased indeed, sir,

to meet so distinguished an officer.

lt'll be no surprise to you to learn that

Mr. Phang studied English at the university.

English literature

to be precise, Mr. Forrester.

Oh, Doctor,

remember l am relying on you

to have plenty of ideas

about the hymns for Easter.

l've been thinking of nothing else.

Mr. Phang!

Excuse me.

Yes, Miss McNab?

- Get me another glass, please.

- Certainly.

- l'm glad you were able to come.

- lt's good to see you again.

lt was very good

of Miss McNab to ask me.

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