His manner was so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter jarred somewhat.

“Well, why don’t you have three, sir?” said Herbert White cleverly.

The soldier regarded him in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous [definition: forward and bold without good reason] youth. “I have,” he said quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.

“And did you really have the three wishes granted?” asked Mrs. White.

“I did,” said the sergeant-major, and his glass tapped against his strong teeth.

“And has anybody else wished?” inquired the old lady.

“

Question

His manner was so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter jarred somewhat. 

“Well, why don’t you have three, sir?” said Herbert White cleverly.

The soldier regarded him in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous [definition: forward and bold without good reason] youth. “I have,” he said quietly, and his blotchy face whitened. 

“And did you really have the three wishes granted?” asked Mrs. White. 

“I did,” said the sergeant-major, and his glass tapped against his strong teeth. 

“And has anybody else wished?” inquired the old lady. 

“