I knew her thought exactly. It was part of our joint life, of the cause we both were serving. I had been pointing to some object across the valley, and as my hand fell it touched Constance's hand, which was cool and fresh as a flower. Mine was moist and hot. I never was more at a loss for words. I took her hand in mine and held it. So we stood, hand in hand, like children, looking out over that lovely English valley. My heart was all abrim with tenderness; but I had no words. I had been a good deal moved by the curious instance of telepathic sympathy or understanding which had brought me from my bed that morning and led to our meeting. "You have given me so much, taught me so much, Constance," I said at last. "No, no; I am no teacher," she said. "But I do think God has taught all of us a good deal lately--all our tribe--Dick." There was a rare hint of nervousness in her voice; and I felt I knew the cause. I felt she must be thinking of John Crondall. And yet, if my life had depended on it, I could not help saying: "It is love that taught me." Constance drew her hand away gently. "Would not the Canadian preachers say we meant the same thing?" she said. I had my warning; but, though haltingly, the words would come, now. "Ah, Constance, it is love of you, I mean--love of you. Oh, yes, I know," I hurried on now. "I know. Have no fear of me. I understand. But it is love of you, Constance, that rules every minute of my life. I couldn't alter that if I tried; and--and I would not alter it if I had to die for it. But--you must forgive me. Tell me you do not want me to stop loving you, Constance. You see, I do not ask any more of you. I understand. But--let me go on loving you, dear heart, because that means everything to me. It has guided me in everything I have done since that day you came to me in _The Mass_ office. Constance, you do not really want me to stop loving you?" I was facing her now; kneeling to her, in my mind, though not in fact. Her head was bowed toward me. Then she raised her glorious eyes, and gave to me the full tender sweetness of them. "No, Dick," she said, quite firmly, but soft and low; "I don't want you ever to stop loving me." Whatever else Fate brings or takes from me, I shall never lose the lovely music of those words. That is mine for ever. XIV "FOR GOD, OUR RACE, AND DUTY" Soldiers, prepare! Our cause is Heaven's cause; Soldiers, prepare! Be worthy of our cause: Prepare to meet our fathers in the sky: Prepare, O troops that are to fall to-day! Prepare, prepare. Alfred shall smile, and make his harp rejoice; The Norman William, and the learned Clerk, And Lion-Heart, and black-browed Edward, with His loyal queen shall rise, and welcome us! Prepare, prepare. BLAKE.