"And you are going—soon?"
"I am going to-morrow," is the utterly unlooked-for reply.
"To-morrow! Why—Mr. Lee!"
There can be no mistaking the shock it gives her, and still he stands and makes no sign. It is cruel of him! What has she said or done to deserve penance like this? He is still holding out his hand as though in adieu, and she lays hers, fluttering, in the broad palm.
"I—I thought all applications had to be made to—your commanding officer," she says at last, falteringly, yet archly.
"Major Wilton forwarded mine on Monday. I asked him to say nothing about it. The answer came by wire to-day."
"Major Wilton is post commander; but—did you not—a year——?"
"Did I not?" he speaks in eager joy. "Do you mean you have not forgotten that? Do you mean that now—for all time—my first allegiance shall be to you, Miriam?"
No answer for a minute; but her hand is still firmly clasped in his. At last,—
"Don't you think you ought to have asked me, before applying for leave to go?"