Nick slipped out as Agatha Farleigh entered, followed by John Exton, carrying Agatha’s neat suit-case. John was wearing khaki and a sergeant’s stripes. Upon his chest was the D.C.M. After greeting Cicely Agatha said briskly:
“You remember John Exton, Miss Cicely?”
“Indeed I do. He hasn’t let us forget him. We were so dreadfully sorry to hear you had lost an arm, John.”
“I gave it, miss.”
“You look very well.”
Agatha glanced at the port wine and the basin.
“Is my aunt seriously ill?” she asked. “Uncle wired for me this morning. I got leave at once. I suppose Mr. Grimshaw is attending her?”
“Yes; he has just left. I am afraid it is serious, Agatha. It may be typhoid.”
Agatha, without a word, crossed the room and hurried out. Cicely said to John:
“This is a cruel shock for her. You are still in the army?”