Berkley could just make out the outlines of the nearer buildings, and of tall trees around.

Here and there lights burned behind closed windows; but, except for these, the world was black and still; stiller for the deadened stamping of horses in distant unseen stalls.
An unmistakable taint of the hospital hung in the fresh morning air--a vague hint of anaesthetics, of cooking--the flat odour of sickness and open wounds.
Lanterns passed in the darkness toward the stables; unseen shapes moved hither and thither, their footsteps sharply audible.

He listened and peered about him for a while, then went back to the store-room, picked his way among the medical supplies, and sat down on the edge of his bed.
A few moments later he became aware of somebody moving on the veranda, and of a light outside; heard his door open, lifted his dazzled eyes in the candle rays.
"Are you here, Philip ?" came a quiet, tired voice.

"You must wake, now, and dress.

Colonel Arran is conscious and wishes to see you." "Ailsa! Good God!" She stood looking at him placidly, the burning candle steady in her hand, her; face very white and thin.
He had risen, standing there motionless in his belted invalid's robe with the stencilled S.C.on the shoulder.