"A half year of idleness? Why, that can not be, sir——"
"It is better than eternity in a coffin, sir," said he quietly.
Then he came and took my hand, saying that orders had come directing him to join our Northern Army at Crown Point, and that he was to set off within the hour.
"A little nursing and continued rest are all you now require," said he; "and so I leave you without anxiety, Mr. Drogue."
I strove to express my deep gratitude for his service to me; he pressed my hand, smilingly:
"If you would hasten convalescence," said he, "seek to recover that serenity of mind which is a surer medicine than any in my phials."
At the door he turned and looked back to me:
"I think," said he in an embarrassed voice, "that you have really no true reason for unhappiness, Mr. Drogue. If you have, then my experience of men and women has taught me nothing."
With that he went; and I heard his sword and spurs through the hallway, and the outer door close.
What had he meant?