Looking up, he saw the stalwart figure of Leicester Dodson coming swiftly down toward him.
Instantly, he called out, and without anxiety:
"Is that you, Mr. Leicester?"
"It is," came back Leicester's deep, stern voice.
"I am so glad," replied the captain. "I have been looking for you everywhere!"
"Were you sent to find me?"
"I should not have come on my own account, much as I esteem your society," said the captain, with a grave laugh. "I have come from the woman to whom you have lost your heart, and whom you have lashed and tortured by your romantic upbraidings and reproaches. Don't be offended with me. I have had my days of romance and sentiment, though I am not much older than you. Why, how much older am I? A few years only, if any."
Leicester moved impatiently.
"For Heaven's sake, do not keep me in suspense!" he cried. "You say that Violet—Miss Mildmay—sent for me? Where is she?"
"Where should she be but in her own house?" said the captain, banteringly. "Come, my dear fellow, you have made yourself and her quite miserable enough for one night, and I have come to make you both happy."