human
No, nothing is the matter, except that I've been thinking about you. I could hardly wait to ask you some things. But I _had_ to wait till morning. It is morning now that Richard is up and has gone, even though it isn't quite light. And it's better to talk before he comes back. There'll be--so much happening then---- You're all dressed! You didn't go to bed.
gpt
No, I didn't want to sleep,
human
I haven't slept, either. I didn't try to sleep! I'm so happy for myself, but I'm not _all_ happy. I'm anxious about you. I see that I've been horribly, hatefully selfish--a beast!
gpt
Don't! I won't hear you say such things.
human
You mustn't try and put me off. Will you promise by--by your love for my father--and your friendship for me, to answer truly the questions I ask?
gpt
All I can answer.
human
If you don't answer, I shall know what your silence means. _Mon ami_, you made a great sacrifice for me. You gave up your march to take me safely to Bel-Abbés. You had only eight days' leave to do it in. I know, because my father said so in his letter. But I, thinking always of myself, gave no thought to that. You lost time coming back from Djazerta to the _douar_. Now I've kept you another night. Is there a train to-morrow going out of Touggourt?
gpt
I think so,
human
What time does it start?
gpt
I don't know precisely.
human
In the morning or at night?
gpt
I really can't tell.
human
You mean you won't. But that _does_ tell me, all the same. It goes in the morning. Soldier, I've made you late. I see now you've been very anxious all the time about overstaying your leave, but you wouldn't speak because it was for my sake.
gpt
I've written to the officer in command at Sidi-bel-Abbés, explaining. It will be all right.
human
It won't! You're keeping the truth from me. I see by your face. You've overstayed your leave already. I calculated it out last night. Even as it is, you are a day late.
gpt
What of it? There's nothing to worry about.
human
Do you suppose I can be a soldier's daughter and not have learned anything about army life? Soldier, much as I'd want you to stand by me if it could be right for you, it isn't right, and you must go! Go now, and be in time for that train this morning. One day late won't be so bad. But there won't be another train till Monday. By _diligence_, it's two days to Biskra. That means--oh! go, my friend! Go, and forgive me! Let us say good-bye now!
gpt
Not for the world, Max answered.
human
Not if they'd have me shot at Bel-Abbés, instead of putting me into _cellule_ for a few days at worst. Nothing would induce me to leave you until --he choked a little on the words--
gpt
she echoed.
human
You, in _cellule_! And your corporal's stripe? You'll lose it!
gpt
What if I do? I value it more for--for something Colonel DeLisle said than for itself.
human
I know you were an officer in your American army at home. To be a corporal must seem laughable to you. And yet, the stripe is more than just a mere stripe. It's an emblem.
gpt
I didn't mean you to think that I don't value it! I do! But I value other things more.