“Sorry, father? Why, we may have a chance to see them all again.”
“Yes—perhaps; but we are taking the horrors of war to the abode of peace, my boy.”
“Yes,” said Fred, thoughtfully. “I did not think of that.”
“It was our duty and hope that we might keep the ruin and misery brought by war from our pleasant moors and lanes. Better not see those we love at such a cost.”
“Then, don’t let’s go, father.”
Colonel Forrester shook his head.
“A soldier’s duty is to obey, Fred. Our general has had his orders, and feels that for military reasons our district will be the most suitable place for intercepting a force which is threatening the west; and our duty is to go.”
“Yes, father. But shall we see my mother?”
“I hope not, Fred.”
“Oh, father!”