"The particulars! What particulars?"
"About Braithwaite, sir. There were things you wouldn't know or might leave out. So I thought that if I stated my case myself, it might make things more sensible-like to your Lordship's friend at the War Office."
"It might. Are those the particulars you have in your hand?"
"Yes, sir. But they're kind of private. I shouldn't like them to be read by just anybody. That's why—— Perhaps, if your Lordship was seeing your friend——"
"As it happens," Tabs spoke with a careless air, "I shall be lunching with him to-day. I can deliver your letter direct."
"Your Lordship is very kind."
"Not in the least, Ann. And remember, whatever happens, that Braithwaite was brave and he'd expect you to be brave. If you're not—— D'you
know what you'll do? Whether he's alive or dead, you'll let him down."
Her head lifted proudly, despite the tears in her eyes. "No fear of that, sir. I'll never let my man down."
"That's the way to talk. And don't worry too much. You know the saying about night always being blackest at the hour before the dawn? If we'd only all believe that and cheer up——"