The entrance of Colonel Harris brought them both back to present reality. He, poor man, looked severely troubled, and distinctly older than he usually did.
"Did you want me, Luke?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," replied the latter, "the police are here, and I thought that perhaps you and Louisa would be so kind as to take Edie along with you. Jim is going to sleep in barracks to-night, and Edie ought not to stay here alone."
"Yes. We'll take Edie," said the colonel curtly, "she'll be all right with us. Are you ready, Lou?"
"Yes, dear," she replied.
And she passed out of the door without another word, or another look.
The supreme farewell had been spoken. Further words—even another kiss—would have almost desecrated its undying memory.
The two men remained alone, and Colonel Harris without any hesitation held out his hand to Luke de Mountford.
"The police are here, sir," said Luke, without taking the hand that was offered him.
"I know they are," muttered the other, "that's no reason why you should refuse an old friend's hand."