"Poof! for the Herr Doktor," cried the lieutenant.
"Not so," and she laughed again, evading his out-stretched hand, while she approached the open door swiftly. "He knows where I am, for I had to state my desire to obtain permission to leave the hospital."
"Pshaw! these regulations are accursed," he cried. Then, glancing through the window: "It is quite dark, Mademoiselle. Let me escort you, at least." He seized his helmet and tossed his cloak over his shoulder.
"Oh, do not bother, pray, Herr Lieutenant!" she exclaimed.
"It is a pleasure, I assure you," he said, and tramped out of the room and down the echoing stairway after her.
Belinda felt like fleeing. But the way truly was dark, and if she ran she might anger the Herr Lieutenant. Also, how undignified to run through the deserted village with this tall Prussian officer in hot pursuit!
"Really, sir," she begged, turning toward him at the street door, "I wish you would let me go alone."
A dark figure stood at attention on the porch.
"Who have we here?" demanded Count von Harden coolly.
"Sergeant-major Genau, Excellency," announced the hoarse voice of Paul. "To attend the nurse to her quarters."