"But you could afford that," said Rob, decisively.
"What about the cowardice of the proceeding?"
Rob colored. The matter appeared so different to him now.
"O Uncle Robert!"—in a most deprecating tone.
"I will not perplex you, nor keep you in suspense," he said, gravely. "If your father was alive I think I should not hesitate a moment. The country is at her sorest need, and calls upon her loyal children for assistance. It is the duty of every man who can be spared to answer the call, to swell the list so that the struggle may be brief. It seems to me that another year will certainly see our war ended, now that we have such brave and able generals in the field, but if the stress should be any greater, I must respond. Now, however, I shall do my best to procure a substitute."
They all drew a relieved breath. Kathie looked up with a tender light in her eyes.
"I am so glad!" she said afterward, nestling beside him upon the sofa. "Did it surprise you when you heard that you were drafted?"
"I must confess that it did. I had a presentiment that I should escape, so it seems such things are not always to be depended upon."
Kathie was silent for some time, her eyes engrossed with a figure in the carpet.