"Of course," she said slowly, "I could find a hundred uses for a place like Plessing, from turning it into a hospital onwards. The idea had naturally occurred to me before, but as, I must say, mother, you've always discouraged any form of patriotic sacrifice by every means in your power, and done everything possible to ignore the very fact of there being a war, it never struck me that you would consent to such a plan." John looked up. "It isn't a question of consent, Char. The scheme is Cousin Joanna's, not any one else's." "As I am--as I have been placed--in the position of Director of the Midland Supply Depôt, John," Char said quietly, "the voluntary organizations here, of whatever kind, come under my jurisdiction, and I must say--" "Char," interrupted her mother, "you may say anything you please, but you'll never persuade any of us that you and I could work together comfortably, and I haven't any intention of trying the experiment. I shall offer this place as a convalescent home to be attached to the Military Hospital at Staffield. That will put it altogether outside the jurisdiction of your office." "It's too far from the station." "Not with a couple of cars and Government petrol," said John. "The doctors here are overworked as it is." "A convalescent home does not need the same amount of medical attendance as a hospital, and Dr. Prince is perfectly willing to undertake whatever is necessary." "But you'll want a staff, and at least two trained nurses in the house." "I have no doubt that they can be obtained. Char, I don't want to vex you and make you feel that I'm acting in opposition to all your own schemes," spoke Joanna impetuously, "but really and truly it wouldn't answer if I tried to run things on your lines. I must do something, and it seems a shame not to use Plessing. But I _had_ thought of another plan, though I know Johnnie doesn't approve of it." "No, I don't," said John stoutly. Char had coloured deeply and her mouth was set. She spoke as though with difficulty. "What is it?" "Tell her, Grace. You thought of it," said Lady Vivian. "To make Plessing the Hostel for your staff. Lady Vivian would give them their board and lodging, and superintend herself. You see, it would make an enormous difference if the present Hostel, which is much too small, were free. You could make it into an extension of the office, which is badly needed. The chief drawback, of course, is the distance, but we should have to come in by the 9 o'clock train every morning, and either bicycle back or come out by the 6.30 train. They're putting it on again next month. You see, the days will be getting longer very soon, and we've all the spring and summer in front of us." "I don't think it's practicable," Trevellyan said. "Nor I," echoed Miss Bruce, watching the thunder-cloud on Char's forehead.