The tightness of the doctor's bandages was causing her considerable pain.
"Oh, yes, he went some time ago," Mona assured her.

"But he is sure to come back presently, and say good-bye." "Say good-bye!" Nan echoed the words slowly, a dawning brightness in her eyes.

"Is he--is he really going, then ?" she whispered.
"He says he must go--whatever happens.

It was a solemn promise, and he can't break it.

I don't understand, of course, but he is wanted at Kimberley to avert some crisis connected with the mines." "Then--he will have to start soon ?" said Nan.
"Yes.