"Now, Mrs. Berry, what about you?" she said. "Captain Nicholson has wasted enough time with you women. You must make up your mind--if you've got one," she concluded, in a smothered undertone. Mrs. Berry drew herself up from her cowering position. Her teeth were still chattering with terror, but Nicholson saw that the crisis of panic was over. There was a curious look of obstinate resolve on the usually weak and silly face. "If all the men are remaining, I suppose my husband remains, too?" she asked. "Yes; he is helping Colonel Carmichael with the defenses." Wonderful indeed are the _volte-faces_ of which a character is capable! Nicholson, to whom human nature was a book of revelations, watched with a sense almost of awe this mean, petty and brainless woman, who a moment before had been whimpering with fear, smooth out her skirts and arrange her hair as though death were not sitting at her elbow. "I am sure," she said, in a sharp voice which still trembled, "I can do what Mrs. Cary can do. I shall stay--please tell Percy so, with my love. And I should like to see him if possible before the end." Nicholson bowed to her, and for the first time in their acquaintance the salute had a genuine significance. "I am proud to have such countrywomen!" he said, and then added in a low tone as he passed Lois: "The cathedral is nearly finished." She nodded. "It could not have been better finished," she said bravely. "And you see I was right--when there is a noble building in the midst of them, people grow ashamed of their mud-huts. They pull them down and begin their own cathedrals--even when it is too late." His eyes wandered instinctively toward the woman on the couch. "Yes, you were quite right." He went to the curtained doorway, where he found Mrs. Carmichael waiting for him, a quaint figure enough with her sleeves rolled back, her skirts tucked up above her ankles, the revolver stuck brigand-wise in her belt. "I'm coming with you," she said coolly. "I can shoot as straight as most of you, and a good deal better than George. I might be of some use." "You would be of use anywhere," he returned sincerely, "but, if I may say so, you will be of more use here. Your courage will help the others. As for us, we have fifty of my Gurkhas, and they will do all that can be done. I will let you know what is happening. At present you are safest here." She sighed. "Very well. And if any one is hurt, send him around. I have plenty of bandages." "Yes, of course."