"But this war will," was the low response. "You are going away, and I may never see you again. How can I get along without you?"
"Only for a while, darling. I shall come back to you some day, and while we are parted from each other, our love will support us and keep us strong and brave. But I shall not be leaving for several weeks yet, so during that time we can be so happy together."
"I know it, I know it," Nell replied. "But I am so selfish, and now that I am sure of your love I want you with me always. I must remember, though, what so many are sacrificing for the sake of their King and country, and I must be brave, too. I suppose others will be going from this parish. I do not see how the young men can remain behind, especially after your challenge to them to-day."
"I believe a number of them will go at once. Several spoke to me after service and expressed their intention of enlisting."
"I am so glad that the people this afternoon were kind to you, Douglas. How terrible if they had been angry at what you did. It would make it very hard for me when you are away, as I should feel so badly to listen to their severe criticisms."
"You need not worry about that now, Nell. The people are very friendly, and most willing to do all they can to assist the new clergyman who will come here in my stead. I do not know his name, but the Bishop told me that he would be most careful in his choice of a man. Even Simon Stubbles shook hands with me this afternoon, and wished me good luck. Most likely he is delighted to know that I am leaving the place. Anyway, I am certain that he will behave himself after this."
"How I wish I could go, too," Nell remarked, as she played with her left hand in the yielding sand. "But I am only a woman, and must remain behind."
"You have a noble work to do here, Nell. Your father needs your care, and, besides, the thought of you will cheer and encourage me. And I shall need your prayers as well. I am sure they will help me no matter where I am. But, there, suppose we let the future take care of itself. We have each other now, and we need not worry about troubles that may never come."
"Perhaps it is better," and Nell gave a little sigh. "But I feel selfish in being so very happy. I am thinking of poor Jean. I suppose her love was just as deep as mine, and now she is broken-hearted. I wonder what will become of her? She is going away, so she told me when I saw her in the church on Friday, but she did not say what she is going to do."
"Why, I forgot to tell you," Douglas replied. "The thought of you banished everything else from my mind. Jean is going overseas as a Red Cross nurse."