"You!" exclaimed Edith, in great surprise.

"Yes."

"But can you obtain leave to go? You have to go abroad, won't you?"

"Yes, of course."

"But can you leave your regiment?"

"Oh yes. I can get leave of absence for as long a time as will be needed
for that, I think, without difficulty. In fact, before leaving London,
as soon as I heard Barber's opinion, I put in my request at once for two
months' leave, and I have every reason to believe that they will allow
it. I have one or two influential friends, you know."

"And will you really go? asked Edith, in tones of deep feeling, with all
her gratitude evident in her tone and expression.

"Yes, if you will allow me."

"I?--allow you? I am only too glad to have a friend who is willing to
undertake such a thing for me in my distress."

"There is nothing, Miss Dalton, which I would not undertake for you."

"You are overwhelming me with obligations," said Edith. "What you have
already done is more than I can ever repay."

"Do not speak of obligations," said Dudleigh, earnestly. "My best reward