Angelica, to tell the truth, was not much impressed by the war. It never stirred or moved her much at any time. She felt neither belligerent nor pacifist. She simply took it for granted. She was one of those peasant natures for whom it is quite impossible to feel either love or hate in the abstract. She could have hated with royal hatred a German who molested her, but she had no ill-will toward a German who invaded Belgium. And as for fine phrases about it, her rough and vigorous mind rejected them all. Ought to go? Why ought he to go? Just what did he expect to accomplish? However, she didn’t say this, any more than she allowed the least hint of her great relief to show. That was the first thought that crossed her mind--how much better it would be if Eddie were away! Mrs. Kennedy shook her head. "It’s too bad!" she said. "Think of your poor mother!" Eddie could find nothing to say to that. "Suppose you should be killed?" Mrs. Kennedy went on, with a sort of severity, as if she were speaking to a person who persistently sat in a draft. "It wouldn’t matter very much," said Eddie, with a faint smile. "Good night, Mrs. Kennedy! Be sure to take care of yourself!" Angelica followed him out and climbed into the car beside him. Those last words of his had hurt her, had brought to her mind the thought of his loneliness, and memories of his kindnesses and of his little, oddly touching traits. She was pursued by a great remorse and a great regret. "I’m _sorry_ you’re going!" she said, with a break in her voice. "I know you are; but don’t be sentimental about it. I couldn’t stand that. Be cheerful!" "I’m not sentimental," she said, forcing her voice to be steady. "Only--I think a lot of you. Every one’ll miss you." "No!" replied Eddie. "No one will miss me, except perhaps you. No one else at all, Angelica." They were spinning along dark country roads now, and he could not see her stealthy tears. She was thinking--wasn’t she perhaps a fool to let him go? "Oh, I am sorry!" she said again. "I wish I could have----” "I know!" he said. "You can’t help it. I--don’t blame you. I’m not lovable." "You are!" "No, I’m not. There’s nothing about me that a girl like you could fall in love with. I know that with women that’s the chief thing--love; but men are made of coarser stuff. Even if you didn’t love me, Angelica, I--I wish you would marry me. I’m not boasting, but I could do a great deal for you. If you could only hear how other men speak of me! I’m doing bigger things in business--all the time. I--I know I seem like a fool. Maybe I am, at home; but I’m not a fool in finance. I’ll be one of the richest men in the country some day, Angelica." "I never thought you were a fool. Indeed, I think you’re wonderful. I think you’re--I’m sure you’ll do whatever you set out to do."