McKay bowed.

“I have heard of you,” said Mrs. Wilders.  “Allow me to congratulate you,” and she held out her hand.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A NOVEMBER GALE.

“Will you not come down into the cabin?” said Mrs. Wilders, civilly; “the lunch is still on the table, and I daresay you will be glad of something to eat.”

“I have not touched food all day, Mrs. Wilders.”

“You must have been very busy, then?”

“Surely you have heard what has happened this morning?”

Mrs. Wilders looked at him amazed.

“A desperate battle has been fought.”

“Another!” She thought of what Mr. Hobson had told her.  “How has it ended?  In whose favour?  Are we safe here?”

“There is no cause for alarm.  The Russians have been handsomely beaten again; but we have suffered considerable loss,” he said, hesitating a little, fearing to be too brusque with his bad news.

“Is that why the general could not come?”

“Exactly.  He has had a great deal to do.”

“Nothing should have prevented him from coming here.”

It never seemed to have occurred to her that he had been in any danger; nor, as McKay noticed, had she asked whether he was safe and well.

“It was quite impossible for him to come.  He—­he—­”

“Pray go on!  You are very tantalising.”

“The general has been badly wounded,” McKay now blurted out abruptly.

“Dear! dear!” she said, rather coolly.  “I am very sorry to hear it.  When and how did it occur?”

McKay explained.

“Poor dear!” This was the first word of sympathy she had spoken, and even now she made no offer to go to him.

“The doctors think there is no great danger if—­”

“Danger!” This seemed to rouse her.  “I trust not.”

“No danger,” went on McKay, “if only he can be properly nursed.  They were glad to hear of the arrival of the yacht, and think he ought to be moved on board.”

“Oh, of course this will be the best place for him.  When can he be brought?  I suppose I ought to go to him.  Will it be possible to get a conveyance to the front?”

“Nothing but an ambulance, I fear.  And you know there is no road.”

“Upon my word I hardly know what to say.”

“We could manage a saddle-horse for you, I daresay.”

“I’m a very poor horsewoman:  you see I’m half a foreigner.  No; the best plan will be to stay on board and get everything ready for the poor dear man.  When may we expect him?”

“The doctors seem to wish the removal might not be delayed.  You may see us in the morning.”

“So, then, I am to have the pleasure of meeting you again, Mr. McKay?”

“I should be sorry to leave the general while I can be of any use.  He has been a kind friend to me.”

“And you are a relation.  Of course it is very natural you should wish to be at his side.  I am sure I shall be delighted to have your assistance in nursing him,” said Mrs. Wilders, very graciously; and soon afterwards McKay took his leave.