They stood for a breathless second until the butler had closed the door behind him. Then he strode up and caught her in his arms. When she could collect herself she looked into dancing, triumphant eyes. A wave of relief swept through her. Suddenly she caught the echo, as it were, of Rolliter’s announcement.
“Captain——?”
“Yes. And more than that. I’m going to France.”
She felt herself grow pale. “My dear——”
“It’s a great stunt,” he said exultantly. “Northby has got an Army Corps. He wants me on his staff. I’m going out as the Brainy One, with a step in rank. Old man Widdowes talked to me as if I were an infant Haig. You could have knocked me down with a bunch of straw.”
“I’m so glad, dear. I’m so glad you’ve got what you want.”
“My God, yes!” said he, all aglow. “It’s the best thing a one-footed cripple has done up to now. The W.O. isn’t the real thing. Out there it is. As soon as I met you, I swore I’d make good. To be worthy of you, if such a thing is possible.”
“I’m a proud woman,” said Lady Edna. “But I don’t understand—General Northby—I never heard——”
“Of course you didn’t. Neither did I. It was all secrecy and suddenness.”
He explained roughly the circumstances.