“I don’t believe it helps one to read about it,” said Lois, who had sat listening quietly. “I’m sure it doesn’t,” said Alma. “I’m glad to say I have very little time for reading. On the other hand one cannot help hearing our men talk about it, and perhaps that’s worse, for they were in the thick of it and know what they’re talking about. And, oh, if only the slackers and shirkers at home could hear how the others think of them! Their ears would tingle red for the rest of their lives. You hear pretty regularly from Ray, Lo?” “Every two or three days. I’ll get you his last ones,” and she slipped quietly away. “She is on the rack too,” said Mrs Dare with a sigh. “Any day may bring us ill news. I dread the postman’s ring. And in a few days Noel will be in it too. It’s hard on those who sit at home and wait.” “But the boys are just splendid,” said Alma cheerfully. “They’re doing their duty nobly. Just think how you, and we all, would have felt if Noel had kept out of it. Why, we couldn’t have held our heads up, Mother, and you know it.” “I know,” nodded Mrs Dare. “I try to look at it that way, but the other side will insist on being looked at also.” “If any of them never come back,--well, we know that they will be infinitely better off. They will have attained the very highest. No man can do more than give his life for his country, and these boys are giving themselves splendidly. I tell you my heart is in my throat at thought of it all whenever I meet a regiment in the street. I could cheer and cry at the same time. They are splendid!--splendid!--and you can see in their eyes and faces that they understand. War is very terrible, Mother, but I cannot help feeling that as a people we are on a higher level than we were six months ago. There’s a new and nobler spirit abroad.” “To think--that it had to come in such a way!” “That is one of the mysteries.” Lois came quietly in with her precious letters. “I envy you, dear,” said Alma, when she had read them. “Just one little precious scrawl like those would be worth more to me than all Mr Grant’s letters, glad as I am to get them.” “But you know Con is safe,” said Lois softly. “I have Mr Grant’s word for it, but I don’t know him from Adam. All I’ve been able to learn is that he was an R.A.M.C. man and was taken at the same time as Con. He is not a doctor, just one of the helpers.” “I think I would be glad to have Ray wounded and a prisoner--if it wasn’t very bad,” said Lois. “Though I’m sure he wouldn’t like to know I feel like that.” “And I----” began Mrs Dare. “No, it’s no good talking about it,” and then almost in spite of herself, she said what was in her mind. “I really cannot help feeling that if--if the worst had to come to any of them, it would be better to be killed outright than shattered and useless for life. Oh, it is terrible to think of. And so many will be----” “I would sooner have them back in pieces than not at all,” said Lois quickly.