"That year expired months ago. You are free now to do as you please."
"Yes, and free to remain as I am. Is it not my own affair?"
Eugenia looked perplexed.
"But has Dr. Beaumont pressed his suit in his recent letters?" she asked.
"He certainly has not. He is biding his time, nothing more."
"Surpassing his time, you mean. If in earnest he should have been here before now, or at least have given good reason for delay."
"Don't be absurd, Eugenia, I did not say he hadn't given a reason."
"Well, reason or no reason, Major Morris is the better man of the two—a brave soldier—a gallant officer—beloved by his men—of fine old family—a good Churchman—and owner of a beautiful estate. Goodness gracious! what has Dr. Beaumont to show in comparison with Major Morris as an eligible match?"
"My dearest sister, you might be a scheming mamma, selling off your daughter to the highest bidder!" exclaimed Maud, with a laugh. "'Pon my word, though, it must be something else. Has Dr. Fairchilds so tied you up that you are afraid another medico might do the same with me? Would the double 'Vis Medicatrix,' as they call it, be too much for us, altogether? Is that the issue?"
"Don't be unreasonable, Maud. You acknowledge that there is nothing serious between you and Beaumont. He's a thousand miles away, living in a little garrison in the woods without prospect of change. Major Morris, on the other hand, is right here, and, although devoted to you, will be ordered home again on one of the first ships. Now is an opportunity for you that will never occur again."