Charity asked him if he were going to fight.
"No such luck!" he said. "But I've got a billet somewhere at the base. A friend of mine is out there, and he has pulled the necessary strings for me. I have nobody now who wants me in England."
"Oh, but we want you!" the children cried. "Do come back soon. Come back for Christmas."
"If the war is over, I will," he said cheerfully; then he took Faith aside:
"Will you sometimes go and see that my father's grave is kept tidy, Faith?"
"Oh," she said, with bright eyes, "I should love to do it. And may I plant some flowers on it? I have a garden of my own, and I should be so happy if you would let me."
"I shall be happy, too, if you will."
Then he put his hand on her curly head.
"God bless you, little Faith. I never can forget how you eased his last days!"
Then with a change of tone he added: