What the deuce has kept you?
A sick man ?" "Y-es; he is--better--I think." "That's good.

I've only a minute or two left, and I wanted to speak--if you'll let me--about----" "Can't you come again next week ?" she asked.
"Well--of course, I'll do my best.

I wanted to speak----" "Don't say everything now," she protested, forcing a smile, "otherwise what excuse will you have for coming again ?" "Well--I wished to-- See here, Ailsa, will you let me speak about the _practical_ part of our future when I come next time ?" For a moment she could, not bring herself to the deception; but the memory of Berkley rendered her desperate.
"Yes--if you will bring back to Miss Lynden her trooper friend when you come again.

Will you ?" "Who?
Oh, Ormond.

Yes, of course, if she wishes----" But she could not endure her own dishonesty any longer.
"Captain Hallam," she said with stiffened lips, "I--I have just lied to you.