One September day he went slowly home, and, seeing Christie in the garden, joined her, helped her finish matting up some delicate shrubs, put by the tools, and when all was done said with unusual gentleness:
“Come and walk a little in the lane.”
She put her arm in his, and answered quickly:
“You’ve something to tell me: I see it in your face.”
“Dear, I must go.”
“Yes, David.”
“And you?”
“I go too.”
“Yes, Christie.”
That was all: she did not offer to detain him now; he did not deny her right to follow. They looked each other bravely in the face a moment, seeing, acknowledging the duty and the danger, yet ready to do the one and dare the other, since they went together. Then shoulder to shoulder, as if already mustered in, these faithful comrades marched to and fro, planning their campaign.