"'That's just it,' he returned. 'Turn her into a sea nymph and give her a tent to adorn until the building is finished.'
"'You are very kind. But how came it, Captain Cummings, as chief officer of the company to be stationed, that you did not get married and bring your own wife to be queen and preside at your functions?'
"'I had very good reasons,' he blurted out. 'First, the lady to whom I was engaged flatly declined to come west when I hinted the matter to her. She was not so brave as you are. Second, she was a hothouse plant, and would have been out of place in a garrison settlement. Third, I did not love her enough to bother with her company, even if she had been willing.'
"'And did she break the engagement?'
"'I suppose so, and I am happy to say I'm a free lance again, ready to gather the luscious fruit whenever opportunity occurs.'
"'You don't believe then in the adage: 'Once in love, always in love?'
"'Lieutenant Manning does,' he replied.
"'And so does his wife,' was my response.
"'Oh, of course, but I believe in friendship more than love, and you must count me your staunchest friend when we establish ourselves on the shining shores of Penetang.'
"I thanked him, of course, and again I say what else could I do?"