“No trouble at all. Delighted, I’m sure,” said Chesham, again raising his cap and going off.
“Now, I wonder what I have forgotten to do.”
Drummond heaved a sigh proportionate to himself.
“Under the present condition of things a bit of neglect that would go unnoticed with another man is a sign of unrepentant villainy in me. Any other Lieutenant may steal a horse while I may not look over a hedge. You see how necessary it is for me to go to Russia, and get this thing smoothed over.”
“I think, perhaps, you are too sensitive, and notice slights where nothing of the kind is meant,” said the girl.
Chesham returned and handed Drummond a letter.
“Will you excuse me a moment?” he said, and as she looked at him he flattered himself that he noticed a trace of anxiety in her eyes. He tore open the missive.
“By Jove!” he cried.
“What is it?” she could not prevent herself from saying, leaning forward.
“I am ordered home. The Admiralty commands me to take the first steamer for England.”