“There is water enough,” Mr. Baldwin said quietly, “when it is coming down in sheets like this. Just set something outside to catch it. Here, I will do it.” And he picked up a water bucket and placed it where it would soon fill. “What a goose I am!” said Lettice. “Why didn’t I think of that? Did you get very wet?” “Nothing to speak of. May I help you get breakfast? What can I do?” “You may set the table, if you will. Brother William is bringing candles; I am glad of that, for I could scarcely tell meal from sugar in this light.” The three busied themselves in preparing the simple meal and ate it with a heartiness which long fasting supplied. “There are more fires lighted; I believe every building of any importance has been set fire to,” said Lettice, dolefully. “And to think of being in the midst of all this dreadful time! I am so thankful for this rain; maybe it will put out the fires. It does seem as if a special providence had sent it. Isn’t it a terrible storm! Why, I even saw feather beds go flying through the air.” Mr. Baldwin laughed. “Those feathers probably flew higher than they ever did before,” he remarked. They were feeling quite cheerful since their meal and were now sitting at one of the back windows watching the steadily descending rain. William had left the room, saying he meant to go in to see the Ingles and hear if they had any news to give. “We have shared more than one danger,” said Lettice, after a while. “I feel now as if when this war comes to an end, there must be a few of my friends who will be linked to me by stronger bonds than those of an ordinary friendship.” “I am glad then that I have been of the privileged few, though I would rather have spared you these sad experiences. I wish I could have borne them for you,” her companion said. “Have you not borne enough?” Lettice gave a glance at the bandaged arm. “A trifle, compared to that which some suffered, yet sufficient to dash some bright hopes.” “I don’t see why,” Lettice looked down. “A man who has nothing but his chosen profession, and who has lost his chances of promotion in that, must stand aside and let others win what neither fortune nor honor will permit him to ask for,” he replied steadily. “But everything is not to be won by fortune and honors.” “Would a man be justified in seeking the love of a woman to whom he can offer nothing but a very uncertain future?” “If a woman loves a man, does she care to give any one else the right to win her?”