CHAPTER X
It was three days later that Pen came home one evening, alert of step, bright-eyed, his countenance beaming with satisfaction and delight.
"Well, mother," he cried as he entered the house; "it's settled. I'm going!"
She looked up in surprise and alarm.
"What's settled, Pen? Where are you going?"
"I'm going to war."
She dropped the work at which she had been busy and sat down weakly in a chair by her dining-room table. He went to her and laid an affectionate hand on her shoulder.
"Pardon me, mother!" he continued, "I didn't mean to frighten you, but I'm so happy over it."
She looked up into his face.