"When is she going to marry Keith? Why don't you hurry on the wedding?"
"We don't have weddings in Ladysmith," was the girl's reply.
"I don't see why you should not; there are parsons here, and all the rest. It would be about the best thing possible for Miss Kitty. I'll let her know as much when I see her."
"I hope you won't do so much mischief, Major Strause. Kitty is content to be close to Gavon. No wedding could be contemplated for a moment."
"She's likely to lose him if she doesn't look out."
Katherine did not even ask him what he meant; she stood and fixed her eyes upon him. He shuffled under their clear gaze.
"Look here," he said, "I'd like to do you a good turn. You are very fond of Miss Kitty Hepworth, are you not?"
"You would not like her heart to be broken?"
"And in the most insufferable way," he added. "But I won't explain myself now, Miss Hunt. You and I have been good friends at home."
"We have been acquaintances at home," replied Katherine. "I am afraid, Major Strause, I have no more time to give you just at present."
"Oh, don't go, for mercy's sake!" He stretched out his hand and tried to catch her dress. She moved away from him.
"You forget yourself," she said haughtily.
"I don't," he replied. "But stoop down. I am a desperate man. Why are you nursing me?"
"No; you are first-rate--a grand girl! I did not know it was in you when I saw you in town. I thought you were just one that was well supplied with worldly pelf. I did not know you had what I see you have. Now, Miss Hunt, if you will do me a good turn--why, one good turn deserves another, and you will never regret it, never. I want to see Sister Mollie. I have something that I wish to say to her--something which will save a great deal of trouble. Will you send her to me? At this hour most of the patients are quiet: anyhow, you can stay in the surgical ward. All I want you to do is to send her, and just keep the other nurses a little away. Will you?"
"You are disturbing the patients, talking so much."
"Oh, don't talk nonsense, Major Strause. I believe you are delirious."
"Yes, I am. I am very bad indeed--very bad. You are a good nurse, but you don't understand all cases of illness. Send Sister Mollie to me."
His face was nearly purple, his eyes bloodshot. Katherine touched his arm--it burnt like a coal. She suddenly felt alarmed.