I have been given mending and washing at the fort. You see I am no leech to fasten on a body and nourish me for nothing. So I do what I am able. Will you come to me this night?”

“Yes.” But I could not yet speak steadily.

“Come then; I — I will tell you something of my miserable condition — if you desire to know� . Truly I think, speaking to no one, this long and unhappy silence has eaten and corroded part of me within — so ill am I at moments with the pain and shame I’ve borne so long — so long, Euan! Ah — you do not — know� . And it may be that when you do come to-night I have repented of my purposes — locked up my wounded heart again. But I shall try to tell you — something. For I need somebody —