"Well, even granting that, what good can come of it, when the maid I adore cares not a jot or tittle?"
"Much good," was her answer, but she did not return his look. "A larger life and promotion would be sure--the very things I would want if I were a man."
"Your words should stimulate one, anyway, but can you say nothing more, Miss Maud? We leave so soon--to-morrow--a soldier's life is in his hand. Give him something to hope for and fight for as well."
"Am I not trying?" she replied, with one of those bright flashes which did such havoc with the men. "Higher rank and future glory!"
"Fudge!" he exclaimed, impatiently. "I could buy a colonelcy if I wanted it, without drawing a sword or leading a man to battle, if that is all."
"The Captain Morris, Colonel Battersby was talking about, could not," said Maud contracting her eyebrows and looking grave again. "He was a genuine man, and every inch a soldier."
"Thank you for your approval," and notwithstanding his effort at self-control, Morris' face flushed with pleasure.
Dr. Fairchilds and Eugenia had paused at the doorstep. For a moment the four chatted on.
"Will you call again, Captain Morris, before you leave?" Maud asked.
"I have only to-night, and it may be late, but I shall be very glad to come."
The door opened and in another minute, returning the bows of the gentlemen, the ladies entered.
"Are you still playing fast and loose with Captain Morris?" Eugenia asked as she and her sister were dressing for dinner.
"I never play fast and loose with anyone," was Maud's answer. "I explained everything to him a month ago, why repeat it again now?"
"He is devoted to you, surely you must have a preference."
"Not necessarily, my dear, but that reminds me. This will give me a good opportunity to send a letter to Mrs. Manning. I promised to write her. They say the troopships will carry the mail with them; and taking mine as far as Montreal, perhaps Little York, it can be forwarded overland to Penetang."
"No, but I shall have time immediately after dinner. Captain Morris does not come until nine."
The meal over, Maud repaired to her room and took out her tablet, quill-pen and horn inkstand. For weeks she had been hoping for a second letter from Helen, but none had come. Still she had much to tell, and the hour was nearly gone by the time her letter was finished and the envelope addressed.