“You do not seem to be at all surprised,” she said.
“No,” he replied; “I am accustomed to this sort of thing, you see. I knew all along that there was the chance of being summoned at any time. This letter only adds to the chance—that is all!”
“It is a great shame,” said Molly, with a pout. “I am sure there are plenty of people who could do it instead of you.”
Christian laughed readily.
“I am sure there are,” he replied, “and that is the very reason why I must take the opportunities that fortune offers.”
Hilda looked across the table at him, and noted the smile upon his lips, the light of energy in his eyes. The love of action had driven all other thoughts from his mind.
“I suppose,” she said conversationally, “that it will in reality be a good thing for you if the summons does come.”
“Yes,” he replied, without meeting her glance; “it will be a good thing for me.”
“Is that consolatory view of the matter the outcome of philosophy, or of virtue?” inquired Molly mischievously.
“Of virtue,” replied Christian gravely, and then he changed the subject.