“What is it?” asked Edith, languidly; for now there seemed no chance for any thing.
“It is this,” said Dudleigh. “I propose, if you will allow me, to go myself.”
“You!” exclaimed Edith, in great surprise.
“Yes.”
“But can you obtain leave to go? You have to go abroad, won't you?”
“Yes, of course.”
“But can you leave your regiment?”
“Oh yes. I can get leave of absence for as long a time as will be needed for that, I think, without difficulty. In fact, before leaving London, as soon as I heard Barber's opinion, I put in my request at once for two months' leave, and I have every reason to believe that they will allow it. I have one or two influential friends, you know.”
“And will you really go? asked Edith, in tones of deep feeling, with all her gratitude evident in her tone and expression.
“Yes, if you will allow me.”