"I've made my own will now, and left everything safely tied up for you and your Mother before I go out to the front again," he told his daughter.
"Oh, Daddy! must you leave us and go back to France?" wailed Pamela.
"Every hour I spent in that fortress, Pam, made me all the more resolved to help to fight this war to the finish. Would you want me to shirk and fail my country? I know you better than that. Tell me again what you told me in 1914."
And Pamela stood up straight, and with a light in her eyes repeated:
"Though it tear and break my heart
I let you go.
When the Motherland is calling,
Be it so!
Let my own poor need and grief
Be set aside,
That justice and the right
May now abide.
"God put courage and true might
In your arm!
May His mercy keep your life
Safe from harm!
Every hour my earnest prayer
Shall be this:
May we meet and greet again
With a kiss."
CHAPTER XXII
The Lecture Hall is Dedicated
Ever since the laying of the foundation stone in January the new Lecture Hall had been in process of construction. Owing to the war, and the scarcity of labour, it made slow progress. Sometimes the building went on with a spurt, and sometimes for weeks nothing at all was done. Those optimists who had prophesied that it would be in readiness after the Easter holidays found themselves much mistaken. After innumerable delays and disappointments, however, the place was finished by the end of the summer term, and Miss Thompson decided to combine its opening with the annual prize-giving.
The double function marked a great occasion in the annals of the school. The increased accommodation would allow a large gathering, and many invitations were sent forth. It was even whispered that the chair was to be taken by the local Member of Parliament.