Dale used every argument and persuasion to induce his friend to wait for company; two days he thought would make so little difference, and the risk to a solitary traveller was so great; but all to no purpose; Clendenin would hardly stay to hear him out, there was so much to be attended to in the few hours that remained before he should leave for an absence that might extend to months.
Several patients must be visited and recommended to the charge of a brother physician, some purchases made, and some friends called upon for a word of farewell.
It would seem a strange, unkind, ungrateful thing to go without saying good-bye to Major Lamar and his family, who had always made him so entirely one of themselves.
And Nell? Ah, he could not, would not go away without learning from her own lips if Lyttleton's story were true.
And if it were not? But ah, he dare not think any further.
His heart beat almost audibly as he opened the gate and hurried up the path to the house.
The bright moonlight showed him the major sitting alone in the porch.
"Ah, good evening, doctor," he said, rising to shake hands and set a chair for his guest. "I am especially glad to see you to-night, as I am just in the mood for a friendly chat."
"Thank you, major, but I am in unusual haste," Kenneth answered. "Can I see the ladies?"
"Sorry to say I cannot give you that pleasure to-night, doctor," was the laughing reply. "Mrs. Lamar has gone to bed tired out with the exertion and excitement of the day, and Nell is not at home; won't be for a week or two, at least; has gone home with a friend living fifteen miles from town."