"There it is, and that is why I have come to-night. I have always had the reputation of having a fair amount of pluck; I do not fear death a bit, and I haven't a single qualm about going to the front; but it's the pater, you see."
"What about your father?" I asked.
"I am afraid to tell him, Erskine. I simply dare not go home and tell him what I have done."
"Nonsense!" I said; "he cannot eat you; you have done nothing to be ashamed of. For that matter you have done what thousands of other fellows have done. You have joined the Army at the call of your King and Country, and it was the right thing to do. I would to God that I were able to do it too!"
"Would you, Erskine?" he cried eagerly. "You think I have done right, then?"
"I think you should have gone to your father first and asked for his consent. Then, if he would not give it, I think you, being of age, and feeling it your duty, should go in spite of him."
"But he would not have consented."
"Exactly; still, you should have asked him. As for getting married——"
"Yes, yes, what about that?" and he looked towards me feverishly.
"Well," I said, "hundreds of fellows are doing it. I have seen scores of such cases in the newspapers. Hurried marriages have been arranged by young fellows going to the front."