"Well, ... partially. But when your heavy luggage came yesterday, it seemed simpler to send it straight to the Desmonds, and that you should settle in and sleep over there. We're all sitting in one another's pockets here, and you and I can be together all day, never fear. Will that arrangement suit your Royal Highness?"
"My Royal Highness is as wax in your hands," she answered, with a swift softening of face and voice. "I won't start being autocratic till I get you back again. Only—sit down at once, please. You don't look fit to stand."
He obeyed with unconcealed willingness, at the same time handing her a note.
"It is from Mrs Desmond. She is expecting you over there this afternoon."
Honor looked mutinous.
"But I want to stay with you. I shall see plenty of Evelyn later."
"Still, I think we must spare her an hour to-day. The little woman's keen to see you, and I'd like Desmond to feel that we appreciate his prompt kindness. He'll be down at the Lines all the afternoon. It's our day for tent-pegging. You might ride down with Mrs Desmond, and bring me news of what my men are doing. I'm mad at not being able to be there myself."
She deserted her breakfast, and knelt down beside him.
"Dear man! Of course I'll go and find out all about it from Captain Desmond. I needn't stay long to do that."