"It was a Frenchman called Braille," Josephine informed him, "and he wouldn't have thought of it if he hadn't been blind himself. Father told me all about him yesterday. I remember Mrs. Ford saying that many a cross brings a blessing with it, but I didn't think it possible then that blindness could bring a blessing with it at all. I know it can now."
There was a brief silence, during which they all looked very serious and thoughtful. Then Donald said—
"I suppose one ought to be content to be just what God wills us to be. Perhaps I shall make a better doctor than soldier after all."
Josephine nodded. She and Donald were good friends now. He had much improved in many ways during his last term at school—had become manlier and better tempered, and was more considerate and far kinder to his sister.
"Ever since the war began I've thought I should like to be a Red Cross nurse when I grow up," said May gravely, "but I dare say the war will be over before then—I hope so."
"I hope so, too!" a voice answered her from the doorway.
Captain Basset had found his way to the schoolroom unaided, and now, with his hands cautiously extended, crossed the threshold of the room. Josephine ran to him and guided him to a chair; then seated herself close to him, and slipped her hand in his.
"I've brought you a piece of news," he said, "some one in whom you are all interested has won the V.C. for his bravery in exposing himself to shell fire again and again in order to save the lives of wounded comrades. I don't know him myself, but—"
"Oh!" interposed Josephine excitedly, "you mean Dick Rumbelow!"
Her father assented.