"
"Work, I suppose," said the girl; "the work that you love better
than anything in the world."
"You're wrong there." His voice was not quite steady now. "But
it's work that has to have my first consideration now. And there
is one special responsibility that I can't evade, for the present,
anyway."
"And afterward?" She dared not look at him as she spoke.
"Ah, afterward. There's too much 'perhaps' in the afterward down
here. We science grubbers on the outposts enlist for the term of
the war," he said, smiling wanly.
"How can I--can we go and leave you here?" she demanded
obstinately.
"Oh, give me a square meal once in a while, and a night's rest
here and there, and I'll do well enough."
"Oh, dear! I forgot your sleep. Here I've been chattering like a
magpie. Take off your coat and lie down on that sofa at once."
"Where shall I find you when I wake up?"
"Right where you leave me when you fall asleep."
"Oh, no! You mustn't wear yourself out watching over me."
"Hush! You're under orders. Give me the coat." She hung it on the
back of a chair. "Not another word now. And I'll call you when
time is up.
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