"Doctor, you heard my grandfather order me to leave Rockhold this morning to join my regiment. Now, what do you think? May I see him before I go?" inquired the young lieutenant.
"I will let you know when he wakes," said Dr. Cummins.
"Must you leave us to-day, Sylvan? Could you not be excused under the circumstances?" inquired Mrs. Rockharrt.
"No; I could not be excused. I must join my regiment, Rose."
"But, Cora! Oh, Cora! You will not leave us now? You are not under orders, and—and—I wish you would stay," pleaded Rose.
"I shall stay, Rose. It is as much my bounden duty to stay as it is that of Sylvan to go," answered Cora.
"Oh, that is such a relief to my feelings!" exclaimed the other lady.
Dr. Cummins looked up in surprise, glancing from one woman to the other.
Sylvan undertook to explain.
"My sister was going out with me, sir. I am her nearest relative, as she is mine, and we do not like to be separated."