"I am proud of you, Morris," said the Doctor. "Slow as news travels in the west, word came at last, and your name was in everybody's mouth."
"Thank you," said the Major, forcing a smile. "But it's an old story now. When did you arrive?"
"Less than an hour ago. As luck would have it, I reached Quebec just as Sir George Head was leaving for Halifax on the North King."
"The ship he came out on with the 100th Regiment," said Maud.
"Yes," said Beaumont, "and he returns home to England on the same vessel."
"It will surprise the people here as much as your arrival," said Maud. "Did no one know you were coming?"
"No one in Halifax knew until I landed," said the Doctor. "My opportunities were so uncertain that I took advantage of the first one that offered."
"And who is looking after your patients while you are away?" the Major asked.
"Oh, we don't have many! It is a healthy place, and as luck would have it, Dr. Sparling, of Little York, came over the trail with a party of friends, so the officers being willing, I persuaded him to take my place for a couple of months, and here I am."
"How delightful!" said Maud, "and what of the brave, devoted Mrs. Manning?"