"That's the worst of telling the truth," Nap said softly.

"It is sure to hurt someone." "I am glad you told me," she whispered back, "though I don't know what to say to you--how to atone--" "I will tell you then," he answered swiftly.

"Stay quietly here and be as happy as you can till the doctor gives you leave to go back.

You will have to do it in any case, but--if you feel you owe me anything, which of course you don't"-- he smiled again, and his smile when free from cynicism held a wonderful charm--"do it willingly--please do it willingly!" She could not answer him in words, but her fingers closed upon his.
Instantly she felt his answering pressure.

A moment later he laid her hand down very gently and left her..