"You—you are not ill!"
"If I can go in no other way, I shall pose as a sick man. It can be done, and I go. You would like to know why?"
"Yes," said Keith.
"I will tell you." The major moistened his dry lips. "I am going there to see the one woman who is all God's earth to me. I am going to—kiss her."
"You lie, you scoundrel!" said Keith.
"I may be a scoundrel, but on this occasion I do not lie. I go to kiss Nurse Mollie, and claim her as my promised wife."
"You lie!" said Keith again.
His face turned white as ashes. He trembled. It was with an effort he kept himself from falling. The major smiled at him—a strange smile of triumph. Then, without uttering another word, he strode past him, and was lost to view.