CHAPTER XXXVIII
ORDERS OF RELEASE
Waymark and Casti spent their Christmas Eve together. They spoke freely of each other's affairs, saving that there was no mention of Ida. Waymark had of course said nothing of that parting between Ida and himself. Of the hope which supported him he could not speak to his friend.
A month had told upon Julian as months do when the end draws so near. In spite of his suffering he still discharged his duties at the hospital, but it was plain that he would not be able to do so much longer. And what would happen then?
"Casti," Waymark exclaimed suddenly, when a hint of this thought had brought both of them to a pause, "come away with me."
Julian looked up in bewilderment.
"Where to?"
"Anywhere. To some place where the sun shines."
"What an impossible idea! How am I to get my living? And how is she to live?"
"Look here," Waymark said, smiling, "my will is a little stronger than yours, and in the present case I mean to exercise it. I have said, and there's an end of it. You say she'll be away from home to-morrow. Good. We go together, pack up your books and things in half an hour or so, bring them here,—and then off! Sic volo, sic jubeo, sit pro ratione voluntas!"