“I am very sorry to have missed Ray. I got off as early as I could, but we are terribly busy. Have you any further idea as to my going out?” “My dear, you could go out, I imagine, with any party that is going. But ... I really think your best place is here,--at your own work, I mean. If any news came, and you were away out there somewhere,--think how awkward it might be. We might want you at once and never be able to find you. Can’t you bring your mind to stopping at home?” “I suppose I must if you put it so. But I feel as though I would like to go out and tackle harder work still,--the harder and grimmer and redder, the better.” “I know,” said the Colonel understandingly. “And if I thought it best I would say so, and help you there. But I really think you are best at home--for a time at all events. Now I must run, my dear. I promised to be in town at eleven. Stop as long as you can. I’ll send you good news as soon as I learn any.” She stayed till close on mid-day, ran in for a short chat with Mrs Dare, had an early lunch, and then Lois walked back to the station with her. “You will keep me posted as to Ray’s doings, Lo,” she said, as they stood on the platform. “For your sake, dear, I could almost wish he might not have to go. But I know him, and you know him, and we both know that if the rest went and he was left behind, it would break his heart.” Lois nodded. Her heart was very full. She wished Alma could stop at home. They could have helped one another. Life was all partings at present. “Remember, dear,” said Alma, as the train came round the curve, “we are more than ever sisters now. We must help one another all we can. And--don’t forget!--throw yourself into some good work or other. It is the very best anodyne.” And, the next minute, Lois was watching the joggling end of the train as it carried her away. She went slowly home to discuss with her mother what work she should set her hand to. But before they had decided anything the matter was settled for them, for the time being, in quite a different way. A telegram was brought over to her from Oakdene, and it was from Ray at Watford. “Have got rooms for you at Malden Hotel here. Come along.” This meant a quick fly round if she was to do him no discredit. Within an hour she was in town and whirling in a taxi to Regent Street. Inside another hour she had chosen, tried on, and had properly fitted, a costume and hat equal to the occasion, and she reached the Malden at Watford just in time for tea. Then she waited joyously for Ray to put in an appearance, her clouds for the time being lightened by the certainty of seeing him again, and of having at all events some small share in him for a few days longer.