He turned sharply, to find himself face to face with the captain of his former troop.
"Merely from hospital," he answered. "I have been lying up for repairs."
The other man nodded.
"I know; and thereby adding to the glamour which surrounds a man elect for the V. C. Are you all right again?"
Weldon's voice hardened to match the strain he was putting upon his control.
"Absolutely. I am sailing for home, next week."
"And taking a farewell view of the place, before you go? Then come to meet the prettiest girl in Cape Town."
For an instant, Weldon hesitated. Then, reassured by the direction taken by his guide, he followed, while the strains of the waltz came ever more distinctly to his ears. His companion craned his neck to reconnoitre.
"She is dancing now; but she will be through in a moment. There," he added, as the music rose to a crashing finale; "that is over, and, by George, here she is! Miss Dent, may I introduce another war-worn veteran, Mr. Weldon?"
The shock came so suddenly that neither of them had an opportunity to prepare to resist it. It was Weldon who spoke first, however, and his voice was level, for he was generous enough to take none of the advantage which so plainly was all upon his side.