He stood a moment or two as if about to speak, while Maimie waited in an agony of fear, not knowing what to expect in this extraordinary young man. Then he turned abruptly away, and with a good night to De Lacy and a nod to Mr. Sims, strode from the room.
“Great Caesar's ghost!” exclaimed the lieutenant; “pardon me, but has anything happened? That young man now and then gives me a sense of tragedy. What HAS taken place?” he panted, weakly.
“Nonsense,” laughed Maimie, “your nervous system is rather delicate.”
“Ah, thanks, no doubt that's it. Miss Kate, how do you feel?”
“I,” said Kate, waking suddenly, “thank you, quite happy.”
“Happy,” sighed De Lacy. “Ah, fortunate young man!”
“Great chap, that,” cried Harry, coming back from seeing Ranald to the door.
“Very,” said De Lacy, so emphatically that every one laughed.
“Some one really ought to dress him, though,” suggested Mr. Sims, with a slight sneer.
“Why?” said Kate, quietly, facing him.