“I understand that, and of course in mild weather it isn’t so hard, but in bad weather it must be awful. I have been trying to get in touch with my brother-in-law, Lucie’s father, but so far have not been able to do so.”
Miss Lowndes was silent for a moment, during which time she made repeated jabs with the point of her pencil into the pad before her. “Then you do not know,” she said presently, “that Lucie’s father has been taken prisoner.”
Philip made a muttered exclamation. “When did you hear?” he asked.
“Only to-day. I have not told Lucie, for I think it is enough for her to be concerned about her mother. Oh, do please hurry up and end this war.”
Philip smiled. “I think you may count on us to do our little best.”
“I am sure of that. You don’t know what faith we all are putting in you.”
“That’s what helps, too. But about Lucie. Isn’t there some way to get one of those little readymade houses?”
“We do get them, yes.”
“They are at least better than what she is living in, and could be used for some one else if the old house is ever rebuilt. It could be set up there alongside the shed, couldn’t it?”
“Surely.”