“I never learned to smoke, Mr. Winthrop,” explained the Major, “and I reckon I’m too old to begin now. But when I was a boy, and afterwards, during the war, I got a lot of comfort out of chewing, sir. But it’s a dirty habit, sir, and I had to give it up. The only way I use tobacco now, sir, is in this way. It’s a compromise, sir.” And he rolled the cigar around enjoyably.
“I see,” replied Winthrop.
“I trust you are feeling recovered from the effects of your arduous journey?” inquired the Major.
“Quite, thank you. I dare say Miss Wayne told you what an ass I made of myself when I arrived?”
“You refer to your—ah—momentary indisposition? Yes, Miss India informed me, and I was very pleased to learn of it.” Winthrop stared in surprise. “You are feeling better now, sir?”
“Oh, yes; quite fit, thank you.”
“I’m very glad to hear it. I must apologize for not being at the station to welcome you, sir, but I gathered from your letter that you would not reach Corunna before to-morrow, and I thought that perhaps you would telegraph me again. I was obliged to drive into the country this afternoon on business, and only learned of your visit to my office when I returned. I then took the liberty of calling at the earliest moment.”
“And I’m very glad you did,” answered Winthrop, heartily. “There’s a good deal I want to talk to you about.”
“I am quite at your service, sir.”
“Thanks, Major. Now, in the first place, where am I?”