"You sit down." She forced him into Dr. Voules's comfortable chair, then seated herself on its arm, and slowly smoothed his hair with her hand. She lowered her face and pressed it to his. Her rounded cheek was firm, cool and satin smooth.
"You can stay with me quite, quite a long time," she whispered.
"Thanks," mumbled John; "that's awfully good of you." He squeezed her hand. He could understand what would have happened to Parkson at that moment—Parkson already enamoured, flattered to think of a woman of her social position and extraordinary beauty flinging herself at his head.
"Will they miss you at the fort to-night, little Billy?"
"I don't know that they'll miss me particularly," said John.
"Oh, but you're so—so important there. Did you find it difficult to get away, Billy mine?"
"Not so very," John answered; "all the same, I haven't much time—I've only managed to get two hours' leave."
She drew in her breath sharply, then suddenly flung out both arms and drew him towards her.
"Oh, Billy, Billy!" she protested.
John instantly made mental note that she had in her mind a certain time during which she intended to detain him there.