He laughed.
"I told you cheques are no good in this country. We'll settle later on. Remember to let me know if I can help. Good-bye and good luck."
He strode down the long gallery, turned at the end, regretfully, waved his hand and was gone. Minnie went back to her patients, whom she tended with the help of two village women, and Zosia, the housekeeper.
The Countess had wounded soldiers in another part of the house.
XI
One spring morning the Countess came into the office where Ian was working, an open letter in her hand. He saw by her eyes that she had unpleasant news.
"A letter from Joseph," she announced, sitting down by his desk, where he was busy with accounts. He looked up, his clear eyes hardened.
"What does he want?"
"He has a week's leave. He says that the six months are over, and wants----"
"Wants his wedding," said Ian. "Then he must have it."