"Yes. You consider me one of your friends?"
"Of course; don't ask foolish questions."
Alan looked particularly well this morning. He was a picture of health, a well-groomed man; his eyes were bright as he looked at her, thinking how lovely she was.
To Eve he was more attractive than ever. She loved him with her whole heart and soul, every nerve in her body thrilled toward him; and there he stood, smiling at her placidly, when she longed for him to take her in his arms, crush her, pour out a tale of love into her waiting, willing ears. Why could he not see it?
She held herself in bounds, but it was difficult.
"When do you join the Sherwoods?" she asked.
"I have joined; I am on leave. I have to put a lot of things straight at Trent Park. I had no idea there was so much to do."
"But you are not in uniform," she said.
"No; I thought I'd come over in ordinary attire—you might have been startled to see me in khaki."
"I certainly would have been."