He took the hand over the gate, stooped and kissed it. "But I am delighted, mademoiselle!" he said.
Cinders was also delighted, and struggled with yelps of welcome to reach him. He stood up, laughing, and patted the little creature's head.
"And the foot?" he questioned.
"Much better," said Chris. "I am going down to the shore presently. I wish you could come too."
He smiled and shook his head, with a glance after his men retreating up the hill towards the fort. "I wish it also, mademoiselle, but—"
"Couldn't you?" begged Chris. "This afternoon! Just for a little while!
There's only Cinders and me."
"Et Mademoiselle la gouvernante—"
"She is looking after the boys, and they are ill," Chris explained cheerfully. "You might come. I'm wanting someone to talk to rather badly."
The young officer hesitated. The blue eyes were very persuasive.
"I would ask you to come in to tea afterwards," she said, "only Mademoiselle is so silly—quite cracked, in fact, on some points. But that needn't prevent your coming down to the shore for a little to play with Cinders and me. You will, won't you? Say you will!"