"Had you any idea then of flinging yourself into the heart of this war?"
"Not the remotest idea; why should I?"
"Then why have you come? What does Hunt think about it?"
"My father is a brave Englishman, and after the first disappointment he is not sorry that his only child should do her little best for her country. But, Major Strause, you must treat me with respect. I am here as one of the special war correspondents. Without that delightful occupation I doubt if my friend and I could have got here."
"Oh, you have not come alone?"
"No; I have come with a girl, a friend of mine."
Strause looked his curiosity. Katherine had no idea of gratifying it at the present moment. After a time she spoke.
"I am glad to see an old friend," she said, and her big brown eyes had never looked more kindly than they did as they rested on Strause's face at that moment. "I am glad to see an old friend, and when I write to my father, which I mean to do immediately, I shall tell him you are here."
"Do," said Strause, a look of gratification causing his face to look almost good-natured for the time being. "And tell him also that as far as Major Strause can, he will try to make things endurable for you. And now, pray let me know if there is anything I can do at the present moment? You have of course, secured rooms for yourself and your friend here?"
"I have. We are accommodated with the best bedroom in the house, and a very tolerable sitting-room."