"So it has come at last!" said Venna seriously.
"Yes, at last! America has tried to keep out of it; but we, too, must bear our share of the world's burden. I intend to do my part. Venna, I have news for you. I'm released."
"From what?"
"From my mission. I can go back West anytime now."
"You will go West?" she asked with a sudden fear of losing him.
"Very soon, yes; I feel as though I don't want to waste time. I'm going home to work off some of the debt incurred by my mission and then I shall volunteer."
Both stood silent for a few moments, looking into one another's eyes with a realization of a future of sacrifice.
"How can I possibly spare you?" she asked, laying her hand gently upon his arm.
Her touch thrilled him.
"Don't you think it will be hard for me?" he said, with emotion.