“Oh, by Jove!” he cried, startled. “But, my dear girl, I don’t go in for that, you know. I’m not quite a drunkard.”
“I know! I know, darling! Only I had to say it. Don’t be offended!”
“Of course not, you blessed baby!”
“And you will take at least one glass of milk a day, won’t you? You’re so thin! And——”
“I shall! I shall!” he cried, laughing. “Come on, old girl! The gates are open. I say! It’s perfectly all right to kiss you good-bye, isn’t it? I might be your brother—or your husband. Everyone does, eh?”
She reflected.
“Yes,” she said, with a blush, and raised her face to his. “Good-bye! God bless you, my own boy! Take care of yourself! I shall think of you every minute!”
“Good-bye, my beautiful girl!” he answered. “God bless you! Come back to me soon!”
He stood watching her down the platform, strong, eager, and splendid. Saw her go, never to return to him.