'Of course we must. No one would think of denying it. But primarily, _primarily_, our great hope, our great confidence is not in material forces, but in spiritual. That is the point to which we as a nation must get back, and when we do, the hosts of German militarism will become but as thistledown. That is the call of God in these days, that is what this war should do for our country, it should bring us back to realities, bring us to God. Is it doing that, Captain Luscombe?' 'You know as well as I,' I replied. 'I have not been home for a long time.' 'I shall see presently,' he said, for by this time the shores of England were becoming more and more plain to us. 'Of course, while I was at home during my training, I did not realize things as I do now; my eyes had not been opened. But I shall study England in the light of the New Testament.' 'You will have a busy time,' I laughed. 'I suppose I am to have a commission, sir,' he said just before leaving the boat, 'and I am to go away into an Officers' Training Corps at once. But I have your address and you shall hear from me.' That same night I wrote a letter to Lorna Bolivick, telling her of my arrival in England, and informing her that in all probability Edgecumbe would be in the country for some time. I wrote to Devonshire, because I had been previously informed that she had been obliged to return home on account of her health. Three days later I got her reply. '"Dear Captain Luscombe," she wrote, "I am awfully interested to hear that you are back in England; of course you will come and see us. Father insists that you shall, and you must _be sure_ to bring your friend. _I shall take no refusal_. If you can give me his address, I will write to him at once, although, seeing we have never met, I think it will be better for you to convey my message. Tell him that I _insist_ on you both coming as soon as possible. I have heaps of things to tell you, but I can't write them. Besides, as we shall be seeing each other soon, there is no need. Telegraph at once the time you will arrive, and remember that I cannot possibly hear of any excuse whatever from either of you."' Edgecumbe having informed me of his whereabouts, I went to see him, and showed him the letter. 'Why on earth should she want to see me?' he asked. 'I don't know, except that I told her about our meeting,' I replied. 'She took a tremendous interest in you. Don't you remember? For a few seconds there was a far-away look in his eyes, then evidently he came to a decision. 'Yes, I'll go,' he said, 'I will. I--I--think----' But he did not finish his sentence. A few days later, we were on our way to Devonshire together, I little realizing the influence our visit would have on the future. CHAPTER XV DEVONSHIRE