“Thank you,” Drake said gratefully, and once more sat down beside her.
For a time neither of them spoke but he was conscious that every now and then she threw him a quick glance from beneath her lashes. His eyes were turned steadily towards the passing scenery, for he dared not look at her.
“Captain Drake, I am sorry. It was a mean trick,” she began nervously.
In an instant his hand had covered hers, pressing it convulsively.
“Lady Ethel, I shall not see you again for a long time, and this is my good-bye. I want you to know that I love you. Don’t answer me, for I know that I have nothing to offer. I am a poor soldier, and——” he broke off, for his voice shook. “But I couldn’t go away without letting you know of my love.”
Her face had grown white and she did not answer, but he did not see that her eyes were dim, and her face sad.
Suddenly the brakes were put on, the car slowed down, and the chauffeur signaled to an approaching taxi-cab driver.
“Good-bye—won’t you wish me good luck?” Drake said hoarsely.
“Good-bye, and I hope that you will all come back safely. I am sorry, very sorry. Please tell your brother that—but no, I won’t send my message. Good-bye.”
And she watched him drive away.